Hyaluronan (HA) is a critical element of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The regulated synthesis and degradation of HA modulates the ECM chemical and physical properties that, in turn, influence cellular behavior. HA triggers signaling pathways associated with the adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation of cells, mediated by its interaction with specific cellular receptors or by tuning the mechanical properties of the ECM. This review summarizes the recent advances on strategies used to mimic the HA present in the ECM to study healthy or pathological cellular behavior. This includes the development of HA-based 2D and 3D in vitro tissue models for the seeding and encapsulation of cells, respectively, and HA particles as carriers for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.

透明质酸 (HA) 是细胞外基质 (ECM) 的关键元素。HA 的调节合成和降解调节 ECM 的化学和物理特性，进而影响细胞行为。HA 触发与细胞粘附、增殖、迁移和分化相关的信号通路，由其与特定细胞受体的相互作用或通过调节 ECM 的机械特性介导。本综述总结了用于模拟 ECM 中存在的 HA 以研究健康或病理细胞行为的策略的最新进展。这包括开发基于 HA 的 2D 和 3D体外组织模型，分别用于细胞的接种和封装，以及作为载体的 HA 颗粒用于靶向递送治疗剂。