CARBOXYL CROSS-LINKED CHONDROITIN HYDROGELS AND THEIR USE FOR SOFT TISSUE APPLICATIONS

摘要

A hydrogel product is comprising a chondroitin, molecule selected from the group consisting of chondroitin and chondroitin sulfate as the swellable polymer, wherein the chondroitin molecule is cross-linked into a network via its carboxyl groups. The hydrogel product can be prepared by a process comprising the steps of (a) providing chondroitin molecules; (b) activating the carboxyl groups on the chondroitin molecules with a triazine-based coupling reagent to form an activated, cross-linked chondroitin; and (c) cross-linking the activated chondroitin molecules via their carboxyl groups using a cross-linking agent. The hydrogel product is useful for treatment of soft tissue disorders.