Recent studies suggest that cells preferentially differentiate on artificial extracellular matrices that have mechanical stiffness similar to that of their natural tissues. Therefore, hydrogels to be used for soft tissue regeneration need exhibit viscoelasticity that approximates that of the targeted tissue. To this end, we have developed hyaluronan (HA)-based soft hydrogel particles (microgels and nanogels) with controlled size, chemistry and structure. HA microgels were prepared by in situ crosslinking of chemically modified HAs within an inverse microemulsion stabilized by Span 80. Similarly, HA nanogels were synthesized by in-situ crosslinking of HA with divinyl sulfone (DVS) using the AOT reverse micelle system. In vitro cytotoxicity studies using vocal fold fibroblasts indicate that these hydrogel particles are essentially non-toxic. HA microgels exhibit residual functional groups that can be used to form doubly crosslinked networks (DXN) with tunable viscoelasticity. Alternatively, free radical polymerization/crosslinking of acrylamide (AAm) in the presence of HA nanogels resulted in semi-interpenetrating networks (IPN) that are highly elastic. Mechanical measurements using torsional wave apparatus indicate that the HA DXN have mechanical properties similar to that of the vocal fold mucosa; whereas the HA/PAAm IPN exhibit viscoelastic responses close to that of the vocal ligament. Controlled release of model drugs was achieved through their anchorage at predetermined locales of the particulate hydrogel system. These materials are promising candidates for vocal fold tissue regeneration.