Irradiation of Mucopolysaccharides with Ultraviolet Light and Electrons

Abstract

The effect of ultraviolet light and electrons on aqueous solutions of hyaluronic acid, hyaluron sulfuric acid, and heparin was investigated. It was found that irradiation with ultraviolet light causes a decrease in the molecular weight and length of hyaluronic acid prepared from the bovine vitreous body. Irradiation with ultraviolet light causes a decrease in pH and an increase in the reducing power of heparin, hyaluronic acid, and hyaluron sulfuric acid solutions. The cationic dyebinding capacity decreases. The anticoagulation activity of heparin and hyaluron sulfuric acid decreases after ultraviolet irradiation. Irradiation with electrons depolymerizes the large-molecular polysaccharide molecules into low-molecular, dialyzable compounds. It also causes destruction of the hexosamaine and hexuronic acid moieties. Both ultraviolet light and electrons form degradation products in the aqueous solutions of hyaluronic acid and heparin with a characteristic ultraviolet absorption band. The absorption maximum is at 267 m mu in neutral and in alkaline solutions and shifts to shorter wavelengths on acidification. (auth)