Modified natural polymers with bioactive additives for restoration of critical bone defect; Модифицированные природные полимеры с биоактивными добавками для восстановления критического костного дефекта

A critical bone defect (CBD) is a bone tissue injury that is unable to self-heal and therefore requires tissue engineering approaches. Photocrosslinkable hydrogels based on natural polymers are promising biomaterials for CBD restoration due to their biocompatibility, versatility, and ability to form 3D structures of defined shapes. In this study, UV-photocrosslinkable materials based on hyaluronic acid modified with glycidyl methacrylate were proposed for the formation of hydrogels, which can be used for in situ replacement of CBD. It was demonstrated that the obtained hydrogels possess mechanical properties suitable for bone tissue replacement, and the photopolymerization process occurs under mild conditions, ensuring the high viability of mouse mesenchymal stem cells in such hydrogels. The developed technology may be suggested for further investigation of its potential for CBD replacement in vivo conditions. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.