The present invention relates to hyaluronic acid ester derivatives, whosecarboxylic groups are partially esterified with hydroxy groups ofpropiophenone derivatives, to the hydrogel materials consisting of the saidhyaluronic acid ester derivatives, to their preparation process by photocuringof the hyaluronic acid ester derivatives, and their use in the biomedical,sanitary and surgical fields, and in the medical field as controlled releasesystems for drugs.