Patent ID: 8178663

Claim:
Process for the preparation of engineered connective tissues comprising the steps of: i) providing an aqueous solution of an ester derivative of hyaluronic acid or of hyaluronic acid derivatives, wherein part of the carboxylic groups of hyaluronic acid or of hyaluronic acid derivatives is esterified with the propiophenone derivatives of formula (I) wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, alkyloxy having an alkyl chain C1-C20 bearing one or more hydroxy groups, and heterocycle bearing one or more hydroxy groups; and R1, R2 and R3, equal or different amongst each other, are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, hydroxy, alkyl C1-C20 possibly substituted with one or more hydroxy groups and alkyloxy C1-C20 possibly substituted with one or more hydroxy groups, wherein said ester is in a concentration between 0.01 and 100% (w/w); and ii) photocuring said solution to give a hydrogel, wherein said solution is injected into the site of damaged connective tissue, prior to said photocuring, to give in-situ said engineered connective tissue, or said photocuring occurs in vitro and said hydrogel is applied in vivo at the site of damaged connective tissue, thereby preparing said engineered connective tissue.