Chondroitin sulfate (ChS) is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan whose molecular chain is composed of alternating disaccharide units of 1,4-linked N-acetyl-β-D-galactosamine (β-D-GalNAc) and 1,3-linked β-D-glucuronic acid (β-D-GlcA).As a widely distributed glycosaminoglycan in the human body and an important component of cartilage and the extracellular matrix, ChS is abundantly present in tissues such as skin, cartilage, tendons, heart valves, and the central nervous system. It plays an important physiological role in the body, including participating in the formation of bone and cartilage, regulating growth factors (such as fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-β), promoting wound healing, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, antioxidant, and antitumor effects.

Methacrylated chondroitin sulfate (ChSMA) is a double-bond modified chondroitin sulfate that can be crosslinked and cured into a gel under the action of a photoinitiator using ultraviolet or visible light. Due to its convenient crosslinking and molding method and good biocompatibility, ChSMA-based material systems have been widely applied in many biomedical research areas, including osteoarthritis treatment, articular cartilage repair, and cranial bone repair.ChS molecules are rich in carboxyl and hydroxyl groups that are easy to modify, making them suitable for constructing various biomaterials, such as nanodrug carriers for tumor diagnosis and treatment, as well as bioadhesives.