Biocompatibility and enzymatic degradation studies on sulphated hyaluronic acid derivatives

The biocompatibility and susceptibility to enzymatic degradation of new heparin-like polysaccharides obtained by hyaluronic acid sulphation (HyalS(x)) were evaluated. In particular, HyalS(x) cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility were assessed by the direct contact method using fibroblasts L929 and human endothelial cells. The results showed that hyaluronic acid derivatives are devoid of any cytotoxic effects on mouse fibroblasts and they are cytocompatible. The haemolysis test showed that the sulphated polysaccharides are not haemolytic. HyalS(x) susceptibility to enzymatic degradation was tested in the presence of both hyaluronidase and chondroitinase ABC. it was demonstrated that the introduction of sulphate groups along the hyaluronic acid chain makes the macromolecules resistant to enzymatic digestion. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Limited.