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Preparation and characterization of a new gellan gum and sulphated hyaluronic acid hydrogel designed for epidural scar prevention

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Abstract

Postsurgical adhesions are a common problem in clinical practice, causing nerve compression, pain and discomfort. A new hydrogel based on gellan gum and sulphated hyaluronic acid was synthesized, with the aim to create an effective barrier for epidural scar formation. Physico-chemical properties of the gel were analyzed, and preliminary biocompatibility data (i.e. cytotoxicity) have been collected in view of its potential clinical use. The characterization of the new material demonstrated that the hydrogel, due to its high-viscosity, could effectively act as a barrier with a long in situ residence time. In addition, the hydrogel can be easily extruded from a syringe and its structure exhibits excellent stabilizing properties. Furthermore, biological assays showed that this gel is suitable for further preclinical development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy

    Claudia Cencetti & Pietro Matricardi

  2. Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy

    Andrea Martinelli

  3. Fidia Advanced Biopolymers s.r.l., Via Ponte della Fabbrica 3-a, 35031, Abano Terme, PD, Italy

    Davide Bellini & Cristina Longinotti

Authors
  1. Claudia Cencetti
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  2. Davide Bellini
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  3. Cristina Longinotti
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  4. Andrea Martinelli
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  5. Pietro Matricardi
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Correspondence to Pietro Matricardi.

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Cencetti, C., Bellini, D., Longinotti, C. et al. Preparation and characterization of a new gellan gum and sulphated hyaluronic acid hydrogel designed for epidural scar prevention. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 22, 263–271 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-010-4217-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-010-4217-z

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