In order to overcome the problem of rapid clearance of the polysaccharide hyaluronic acid (Hyal) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), a 50% cross-linked Hyal hydrogel (Hyal 50%) was synthesised. The 50% refers to the amount of COOH groups of the polysaccharide involved in the cross-linking reaction. i.e. 50% of the total amount. The rheological behaviour of the Hyal 50% hydrogel, and in particular the possibility to inject it through a needle, was studied. The results obtained demonstrated that the hydrogel injected through the needle still behaved like a gel, although it showed a reduction of the dynamic moduli. The most appropriate sterilisation technique for this kind of hydrogel was also evaluated. Liophilised Hyal 50% samples were sterilised by steam, Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and gamma-rays. EtO and gamma-rays did not modify the characteristics of the hydrogel in terms of swellability and morphology. Lastly, the in vivo effect of Hyal 50% hydrogel in the treatment of chondral defect in rabbit knee was also studied. The results obtained showed the Hyal 50% injections improved chondrocytes density and matrix appearance. Furthermore, the permanence in situ of the hydrogel was longer than that of the linear Hyal.
Hyaluronic acid hydrogel in the treatment of osteoarthritis
Borzacchiello A;Ambrosio L;
2002
Abstract
In order to overcome the problem of rapid clearance of the polysaccharide hyaluronic acid (Hyal) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), a 50% cross-linked Hyal hydrogel (Hyal 50%) was synthesised. The 50% refers to the amount of COOH groups of the polysaccharide involved in the cross-linking reaction. i.e. 50% of the total amount. The rheological behaviour of the Hyal 50% hydrogel, and in particular the possibility to inject it through a needle, was studied. The results obtained demonstrated that the hydrogel injected through the needle still behaved like a gel, although it showed a reduction of the dynamic moduli. The most appropriate sterilisation technique for this kind of hydrogel was also evaluated. Liophilised Hyal 50% samples were sterilised by steam, Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and gamma-rays. EtO and gamma-rays did not modify the characteristics of the hydrogel in terms of swellability and morphology. Lastly, the in vivo effect of Hyal 50% hydrogel in the treatment of chondral defect in rabbit knee was also studied. The results obtained showed the Hyal 50% injections improved chondrocytes density and matrix appearance. Furthermore, the permanence in situ of the hydrogel was longer than that of the linear Hyal.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
