Physicochemical and biological characterization of hyaluronic acid-poly(ethylene oxide) hydrogel

Hydrogel is a cross-linked, 3-D network of polymers absorbing and retaining large amount water. It has been employed as diverse forms in tissue engineering and cell therapy, including micro- or nano- particles, films and coatings. Hyaluronic acid (HA), consisting of disaccharide units of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine, is major components of synovial fluid and a biodegradable polysaccharide, which is degraded by hyaluronidases. A HA-based hydrogel was synthesized by employing HA and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) after chemical modification of HA. Its physicochemical characterization was evlautaed by observing behaviors of gelation, rheology, swelling and drug release. In vitro biocompatibility and cell cytoxicity of the HA-PEO hydrogel were also done. Their results showed excellent potential as a scaffold for tissue engineering.