Hyaluronic acid nanocomposites: Progress in derivatization and in preparation methods for anti-tumor applications

[Display omitted] Hyaluronic acid (HA) possesses unique biological properties that bring many biomedical applications. Nanocomposite of HA has the potential to release the drug at the overexpression of CD44 receptor for tumor growth inhibition. Properties of HA and different forms of CD44 receptor with their effect in drug delivery have discussed in this article. This article briefly discusses preparation, purification, characterization and commercial production of HA derivatives. Number of preparation methods of HA nanocomposites with their advantages and disadvantages and similarities and dissimilarities among them also included broadly in this article. Various HA nanoforms like HA nanogels, HA nanoparticles, carbon based HA nanostructures and HA nano-fibers also added to give the elaborated dimensions to the readers. Most importantly the inclusion of HA based nanocomposites as drug delivery vehicle for tumor treatment will give the future course of research plan for the researchers. The whole manuscript majorly focuses on the role of HA in its anti-tumor activity.