Hyaluronan, a natural biomolecule, has immense potential in the field of medicine. This glycosaminoglycan present naturally in the human body and seen more in connective tissue, skin, and eyes essentially functions as lubricant and helps strengthen bones. Hyaluronan supplements have been used for a plethora of medical applications including cancer and osteoarthritis therapy, wound healing, and regenerative medicine. The revolutionary discoveries in the field of nanotechnology and biopolymers have indeed paved the way for better and more precise uses of hyaluronan by way of newer designs and composites for improved drug efficacy. At the same time, caution has to be exercised, as few recent studies imply the positive role of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid in the progression of some cancers. The present review elaborates on the range of existing applications across various fields ranging from medical treatment to organ development, and sheds light on the possibilities of maximizing its effectiveness.
Key words: Hyaluronan, cancer, wound healing, nanomaterial, stem cells, osteoarthritis
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