Reductive alkylation of hyaluronic acid for the synthesis of biocompatible hydrogels by click chemistry

► Oxidation followed by reductive amination of hyaluronic acid. ► Non toxic catalyst 4-Ac-TEMPO and picoline borane used for the reaction. ► Easy scale-up and negligible degradation of the polysaccharide. ► Successful scaffold synthesis from N-alkylated derivates applying click chemistry.