A simple, nondestructive assay for bound hyaluronan

A simple, convenient, nondestructive method is described for the quantitati ve determination of bound hyaluronan. The method is based on the binding of the cationic dye Toluidine Blue O to the D-glucuronate component of the hy aluronan repeat disaccharide. Quantification is accomplished without interf erence by the dye's metachromatic properties. The method is easily adapted to hyaluronan coated medical devices and should be useful to developers and manufacturers of such devices and coatings. (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, In c.