The present invention provides novel
biomaterial compositions and methods having a technology to improve retention of
hyaluronic acid (HA). The
biomaterial compositions utilize small HA binding peptides that is tethered to synthetic
biocompatible polymers. When tethered to the polymers, the
peptide region allows the polymers to bind to HA. The
biocompatible polymers are modified to contain a crosslinking group so that the HA can be incorporated into a
scaffold and retained in place. The novel
biomaterial 1 compositions can be made into hydrogel compositions and used in a variety of tissue applications, using mild crosslinking conditions and they also have the ability to be degraded with
hyaluronidase if needed. Furthermore, the novel biomaterial compositions will enable enhanced interaction between the
scaffold and encapsulated cells for a wide variety of
tissue engineering applications. Methods of making hydrogel compositions and their use are also provided. The present invention also provides
bifunctional biopolymer compositions comprising a biologically compatible
polymer having at least one amine reactive
moiety and at least one
thiol reactive
moiety and provides thiolated HA binding peptides which can be used together to coat or chemically modify
cartilage or tissues having amine reactive residues with a biologically compatible
polymer having HA binding peptides, which allow HA to bind to the surface of the
cartilage or tissues. Methods of using same are also provided.