Abstract
We are developing the tissue adhesion prevention technology based on photocurable mucopolysaccharides. Mucopolysaccharides were partially derivatized with photoreactive groups to attain photocurability. Ultraviolet irradiation produced water insoluble gels via intermolecular photodimerization of photoreactive groups. Photocured films with lower degrees of substitution (DSs) exhibited the high water swellability, whereas higher DS resulted in reduced swellability. Little cellular adhesion was observed on photocured films with low DSs. In vivo experiments, photocured film exhibited the tissue adhesion preventionability as well as biodegradability. As a photocurable mucopolysaccharide solution was coated on tissues, a viscous solution was converted to hydrogel by UV-irradiation. The in situ gelation of photocurable solution is expected to be useful in endoscopic surgery.
