Hyaluronic Acid in Biomedical Fields: New Trends from Chemistry to Biomaterial Applications

The aim of this review is to give an updated perspective about the methods for chemical modifications of hyaluronic acid (HA) toward the development of new applications in medical devices and material engineering. After a brief introduction on chemical, structural and biological features of this important natural polysaccharide, the most important methods for chemical and physical modifications are disclosed, discussing both on the formation of new covalent bonds and the interaction with other natural polysaccharides. These strategies are of paramount importance in the production of new medical devices and materials with improved properties. In particular, the use of HA in the development of new materials by means of additive manufacturing techniques as electro fluid dynamics, i.e., electrospinning for micro to nanofibres, and three-dimensional bioprinting is also discussed.

Automated summary

The aim of this review is to provide an updated perspective on the methods for modifying hyaluronic acid (HA) chemically, and its potential applications in medical devices and material engineering. The review starts with a brief introduction to the chemical, structural, and biological features of HA, and then proceeds to discuss the most important methods for chemical and physical modifications, including the formation of new covalent bonds and the interaction with other natural polysaccharides. The use of HA in the development of new materials through additive manufacturing techniques such as electrospinning and three-dimensional bioprinting is also explored.