Medical application of glycosaminoglycans: a review

The characteristic molecular composition of the different glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is related to their role as structural components and regulators of a multitude of functions of proteins, cells and tissues in the human body. Therefore, it is not surprising that GAGs are widely used as coating materials for implants, components of 3D-constructs such as tissue engineering scaffolds and hydrogels, but also as diagnostic devices such as biosensors and in controlled release applications. Beside a physisorption or encapsulation of GAGs, these applications often require their chemical modification to allow a stable covalent attachment on surfaces or cross-linking reactions with other molecules. Then, the preservation of the functionality of GAGs under maintenance of their biocompatibility is a challenging task and must be addressed in accordance with the designated field of application. Here, we will give a brief overview on structure and biological functions of GAGs, different methods of their activation and immobilization, the recent progress in GAG-related biomaterials development, as well as some examples of their application in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.