BIOCOMPATIBILITY AND ENZYMATIC DEGRADATION STUDIES ON SULFATED HYALURONIC-ACID DERIVATIVES

The biocompatibility and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation of ne w heparin-like polysaccharides obtained by hyaluronic acid sulphation (HyalS(x)) were evaluated. In particular, HyalS(x) cytotoxicity and cy tocompatibility were assessed by the direct contact method using fibro blasts L929 and human endothelial cells. The results showed that hyalu ronic acid derivatives are devoid of any cytotoxic effects on mouse fi broblasts and they are cytocompatible. The haemolysis test showed that the sulphated polysaccharides are not haemolytic. HyalS(x) susceptibi lity to enzymatic degradation was tested in the presence of both hyalu ronidase and chondroitinase ABC. it was demonstrated that the introduc tion of sulphate groups along the hyaluronic acid chain makes the macr omolecules resistant to enzymatic digestion. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.