Hyaluronic Acid: A Comprehensive Review of Its Osteogenic Potential and Diverse Biomedical Applications

Purpose of ReviewBone defects often heal naturally, but larger defects require intervention through Bone Tissue Engineering (BTE). This review highlights Hyaluronic acid (HA), a biopolymer essential to the extracellular matrix (ECM), emphasizing its unique properties and role in enhancing osteogenesis in HA-based biomaterials.Recent FindingsHyaluronic acid plays crucial roles in cell proliferation, joint lubrication, and wound healing. Studies demonstrate that HA-based biomaterials, when combined with other biopolymers or bioactive compounds, exhibit improved mechanical and biomedical properties. HA's viscoelastic and shear-thinning rheological characteristics enhance its functionality, while its mechanical properties ensure structural stability. Additionally, HA acts as a carrier for osteoconductive compounds, significantly boosting osteogenic and osteointegration outcomes.SummaryOptimizing HA's application in BTE elucidates the understanding of its rheological, mechanical, and biological properties. This review evaluates HA's foundational role in bone regeneration and prior studies incorporating bioactive molecules to enhance its osteogenic potential.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.