A process for manufacturing a cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) containing a functionalizing group including the step of reacting HA with a mixture of: (i) a first cross-linking agent selected from the group of bifunctional epoxides and polyfunctional epoxides, and (ii) a functionalized agent of a functionalizing group coupled via a 1,2,3-triazole linkage to a second cross-linking agent selected from the group of bifunctional epoxides and polyfunctional epoxides, to obtain a cross-linked HA containing the functionalizing group. The process provides a cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) containing a functionalizing group. The process utilizes a functionalized agent of a functionalizing group coupled via a 1,2,3-triazole linkage to a cross-linking agent.
