Atomic force microscopic studies of hylan and hyaluronan

Samples of hyaluronan and hylan have been examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). All samples were deposited from aqueous solutions on to freshly cleaved mica surfaces, air dried, and then imaged under butanol. At a relatively high concentration (10 μg ml −1) all samples formed similar entangled...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Carbohydrate polymers 1996-05, Vol.30 (1), p.1-8
Main Authors: Gunning, A.P., Morris, V.J., Al-Assaf, S., Phillips, G.O.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Biological and medical sciences
Bones, joints and connective tissue. Antiinflammatory agents
Exact sciences and technology
Medical sciences
Natural polymers
Pharmacology. Drug treatments
Physicochemistry of polymers
Starch and polysaccharides
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Summary:Samples of hyaluronan and hylan have been examined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). All samples were deposited from aqueous solutions on to freshly cleaved mica surfaces, air dried, and then imaged under butanol. At a relatively high concentration (10 μg ml −1) all samples formed similar entangled networks, whose detailed structures were influenced by the drying process. Upon dilution (1μg ml −1) the hyaluronan networks dispersed, revealing individual molecules or small aggregates. However upon the same dilution the formaldehyde cross-linked hyaluronan (hylan) retains the large aggregated structures. These aggregates are believed to be the structures responsible for the useful rheological properties of hylan which underpin its medical application in the viscosupplementation of osteoarthritis diseased joints.
ISSN:0144-8617
1879-1344
DOI:10.1016/S0144-8617(96)00094-X