Advancements in characterization and preclinical applications of hyaluronic acid-based biomaterials for wound healing: A review

• Biomaterial dressings have made significant advances in promoting chronic wound healing. • These biomaterials mimic the natural ECM and provide a helpful scaffold for cell growth and migration. • HA plays a crucial role in wound healing due to its distinctive properties, including high hydrophilicity and viscoelasticity. • HA exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial activities, which are important for managing infected wounds. • The potential of HA in promoting angiogenesis is crucial for wound healing as it enhances the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the wounded area. • HA hydrogels, sponges, and nanofibers can improve its effectiveness as a wound dressing. Wound healing involves replacing damaged tissue with new, healthy tissue. While conventional dressings are used, more effective solutions are needed, especially for chronic wounds. This review offers a comprehensive update on newly developed hyaluronic acid-based biomaterials used in the wound healing process focusing on preclinical aspects. Biomaterials play a pivotal role in modern wound healing applications, with hyaluronic acid (HA) emerging as a promising component in advanced dressing technologies. HA, a glycosaminoglycan, is crucial for inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration. We discuss how molecular weight, concentration, and chemical modifications affect the properties of HA-based dressings. Additionally, we explore the potential of combining HA with other biomaterials and the development of sustained release systems. The biocompatibility, biodegradability, and hydrophilic properties of HA facilitate its incorporation into various wound dressing materials such as sponges, hydrogels, films, and electrospun membranes. Notably, HA-based hydrogel dressings can be used throughout all four stages of wound healing. This study highlights the roles of natural and synthetic biomaterials in wound dressings, and the potential applications of HA in treating infection, diabetic wounds, burns, and pain management. Furthermore, clinical prospects for wound healing with HA are elaborated upon.