Photo-cross-linkable hyaluronic acid bioinks for bone and cartilage tissue engineering applications

Abstract

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is of immense importance to biomaterials science and biomedical engineering. It is finding applications in diverse areas of bioengineering ranging from scaffolds for disease modelling to tissue culture for reconstruction. This review focuses on recent research on the role of HA as a photo-cross-linked bioink and its importance in combating bone and cartilage-related disease, injury and disorders. Photo chemical modifications and 3D fabrication technologies employed to produce HA-modified materials are analysed to provide a fundamental understanding of the structure–function-property relationships that influence printability, shape fidelity and biological performance both in-vitro and in-vivo. The article concludes with a future vision for HA-based bioinks and their deployment in light-based bioprinting technologies for bone and cartilage repair.