articleSoft MatterJan 1, 2012GREEN OA

Hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels: from a natural polysaccharide to complex networks

University of Delaware · Biotechnology Institute · +1 more institution

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefpubmed

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of nature's most versatile and fascinating macromolecules. Being an essential component of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), HA plays an important role in a variety of biological processes. Inherently biocompatible, biodegradable and non-immunogenic, HA is an attractive starting material for the construction of hydrogels with desired morphology, stiffness and bioactivity. While the interconnected network extends to the macroscopic level in HA bulk gels, HA hydrogel particles (HGPs, microgels or nanogels) confine the network to microscopic dimensions. Taking advantage of various scaffold fabrication techniques, HA hydrogels with complex architecture, unique anisotropy, tunable…

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