Abstract: A method for treating an osteochondral defect or a chondral defect in a subject includes implanting a composite in a site of the osteochondral or chondral defect. The composite includes a hyaluronic acid derivative; and at least one member of the group consisting of a cell, a cellular growth factor and a cellular differentiation factor, which is impregnated in, or coupled to, the hyaluronic acid derivative. In one embodiment, carboxyl functionalities of the hyaluronic acid derivative are each independently derivatized to include an N-acylurea or O-acyl isourea, or both N-acylurea and O-acyl isourea. In another embodiment, the hyaluronic acid derivative is prepared by reacting an uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid with a biscarbodimide in the presence of a pH buffer in a range of between about 4 and about 8. The composite can be used for regenerating or stimulating regeneration of meniscal tissues in a subject in need thereof.