The present invention relates to hydrogel microbeads comprising at least water, chitosan, at least one polyphosphate compound, water being present at a concentration of at least 85% by mass of hydrogel, said microbeads having an average number diameter ranging from 100 to 900 μm. The present invention also relates to their manufacturing method and their uses, in particular in pharmaceutical compositions or medical devices, more particularly for treating an articular pathology.