CHARACTERIZATION OF ULTRA-HIGH MOLAR-MASS HYALURONAN - 1 - OFF-LINE STATIC METHODS

This study concerns the problems encountered in the molecular characte rization of ultra-high molar mass (UHMM) hyaluronan samples. The deter mination of the molar mass distribution of UHMM polymers is fairly dif ficult. Shear degradation and non-newtonian Bow are the main difficult ies in the fractionation on SEC columns. Considering these difficultie s, the samples have remained previously characterized by off-line Ligh t scattering and viscometry. The characterization by means of light sc attering presents the problem of non linear angular variation of the s cattering. We present a method to estimate reliable Values for molar m ass and dimensions of UHMM hyaluronan polymers. To overcome the intrin sic viscosity shear rate dependence we have used a multi-bulb capillar y viscometer. The persistence length of the UHMM hyaluronan polymer ha s been estimated. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.