Recent Progress in Hyaluronic-Acid-Based Hydrogels for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Hydrogel-based bone tissue engineering is a potential strategy for treating bone abnormalities and fractures. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polymer that is widely distributed in the human body and plays a significant role in numerous physiological processes such as cell migration, tissue hydration, and wound healing. Hydrogels based on HA and its derivatives have gained popularity as potential treatments for bone-related diseases. HA-based hydrogels have been extensively studied for their ability to mimic the natural extracellular matrix of bone tissue and provide a suitable microenvironment for cell support and tissue regeneration. The physical and chemical properties of HA can be modified to improve its mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and osteogenic potential. Moreover, HA-based hydrogels combined with other biomaterials in the presence or absence of bioactive agents have been investigated as a means of improving the mechanical properties and bioactivity of the hydrogel scaffold. Therefore, HA-based hydrogels have shown great promise in bone tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility, osteogenic activity, and ability to mimic the natural extracellular matrix of bone tissue. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in HA-based hydrogels for bone tissue engineering, highlighting the key advances, challenges, and future directions in this rapidly evolving field.