Hyaluronic acid based scaffolds for tissue engineering--a review.

This review focuses on hyaluronic acid (HA) tissue scaffolding materials. Scaffolds are defined in terms of formation mechanisms and mode of action. Solution properties are discussed as an understanding of the hydrodynamics of HA is fundamental in optimising the subsequent modification and the chemistries behind important tissue engineering applications that are emerging from recent research on this increasingly valuable carbohydrate polymer are described. Key scaffold characteristics such as mechanical, biological function and degradation are discussed. The latest technologies behind scaffold processing are assessed and the applications of HA based scaffolds are discussed.