BIOCOMPATIBILITY AND BIODEGRADATION OF DIFFERENT HYALURONAN DERIVATIVES (HYAFF) IMPLANTED IN RATS

Hyaluronan (HL), a naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan, has been che mically modified through the esterification of its carboxylic groups w ith different types of alcohol. The physico-chemical properties of the se new biopolymers allow the preparation of many biomaterials which ma y be used in several medical applications. In the present study both t he biocompatibility and biodegradation of some water-insoluble HL este rs have been evaluated, either as raw material or as manufactured devi ces after subcutaneous and intraperitoneal implantation in male rats. The inflammatory response and the degree of resorption for each tested material are reported. The relationships between the degree of esteri fication and the type of alcohol used with the above parameters are al so investigated.