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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
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Hyaluronic acid-based control/target delivery system: Formation, control release and applications
Yanhong Luo1, Liangbin Wang1, Guanghui Li1
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Lingnan Specialty Food Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Green Processing and Intelligent Manufacturing of Lingnan Specialty Food, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510225, China; College of Light Industry and Food Sciences, Zhongkai University of Agriculture and Engineering, Guangzhou 510225, China.
Food Chemistry
|March 6, 2026
Summary
Hyaluronic acid (HA) systems offer versatile applications in medicine and food due to their biocompatibility and targeting abilities. Future research focuses on smart HA delivery systems for enhanced therapeutic and nutritional benefits.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polysaccharide with excellent biocompatibility, shear-thinning, and CD44 receptor targeting properties.
- These characteristics make HA a valuable core material for various bioactive delivery systems.
- HA's versatility spans biomedical and food industry applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the design, controlled-release mechanisms, and diverse applications of hyaluronic acid-based delivery systems.
- To highlight HA's role in targeted therapies, tissue regeneration, and enhanced nutrient delivery.
- To explore future directions and safety considerations for advanced HA systems.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of HA-based systems in biomedicine and the food industry.
- Analysis of HA's properties influencing its use in drug delivery and biomaterials.
- Synthesis of information on applications such as cancer therapy, bone repair, and nutraceutical delivery.
Main Results:
- HA carriers facilitate targeted cancer therapy and bone defect repair.
- 3D-printed HA hydrogels enable controlled drug delivery and bone regeneration.
- HA microneedles, nanoemulsions, and injectable hydrogels enhance transdermal absorption and soft tissue augmentation.
- HA-gelatin microcapsules and Pickering emulsions improve probiotic and curcumin stability and bioavailability.
- HA systems show potential in nutraceutical delivery and enhanced food product functionality.
Conclusions:
- Hyaluronic acid-based systems demonstrate significant potential in biomedicine for targeted therapies and tissue regeneration.
- In the food industry, HA enhances the stability and bioavailability of active compounds.
- Future developments should focus on smart, multifunctional HA delivery systems and rigorous safety assessments.
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