Table 1 Summarizing different types of HA forms available, their properties, and potential applications
From: Hyaluronic acid: comprehensive review of a multifunctional biopolymer
Type of HA | Molecular weight | Properties | Potential application | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nanofibers | 15–150 kDa | High porosity Mechanical strength Flexibility compared to microfibers Large surface area-to-volume ratio | Wound dressing Scaffolds for tissue engineering Drug release delivery systems Serums for cosmetics Nano masks Coatings for medical devices | |
Microfibers | 100–700 kDa | Solubility is adjustable Different textile technologies can weave it Sterilizable | Tissue regeneration Pre- or postsurgical use Drug delivery or another active ingredient delivery Controlled release delivery system | |
Staple fibers | 350 kDa–2.7 M | It can be loaded with growth factors or MRI contrast agents It can be combined with other HA forms for multilayer applications | Drug delivery and drug release materials Active layers for wound healing devices 3D structures Antiseptics Hemostatic Pads Scaffolds with GFs | |
Hydrogels | 60–1000 kDa | Fully biocompatible and biodegradable Possible to incorporate cells, fibers, micro or nanoparticles, or active substances | Scaffolds Regenerative medicine Viscosupplementation Postsurgical adhesion Reservoir drug release Wound healing Cartilage tissue engineering Bioprinting Contact lenses preparation Super porous hydrogels in hygiene products | |
Thin Films | 15–1000 kDa | Swelling, degradation rates, and mechanical properties can be controlled by the type of modification and the degree of substitution | Prevention of postoperative adhesions Tissue engineering (cell sheets) Controlled release of active substances or growth factors Soluble or insoluble options Controlled dissolution materials Transparent or colored | |
Micelles | 10–20 kDa | Self-assembly into polymeric micelles with distinctive core–shell structures Non-covalent encapsulation of poorly water-soluble drugs HA in the shell can be used as a targeting molecule | Dermatology Topical applications and carrier system Enhancing penetration of encapsulated compounds into skin, hair, and nails Drug delivery systems—Parenteral applications |