Synthesis of new polysialic acid derivatives.

In this paper we report the first synthesis of novel polysialic acid derivatives which is initiated by treatment of polysialic acid with EDC-HCl to yield the inter-residual delta-lactone. Subsequent reaction with amines or hydrazine gives the corresponding polysialic acid amides and hydrazide. Alkylation of the tetrabutylammonium salt of polysialic acid yields polysialic acid esters.

Fiber scaffolds of polysialic acid via electrospinning for peripheral nerve regeneration.

Fiber scaffolds of bioactive polysialic acid have been prepared via electrospinning for peripheral nerve regeneration. The diameter, morphology and alignment of fibers in scaffolds were adjusted by variation of electrospinning parameters, which are decisive for the cell-scaffold interaction. Due to the high water solubility of polysialic acid (poly-alpha-2,8-N-acetylneuraminic acid) a photoactive derivative (poly-alpha-2,8-N-pentenoylneuraminic acid) was used to obtain stable fiber scaffolds in water by photochemical crosslinking.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of a polysialic acid-based hydrogel as enzymatically degradable scaffold material for tissue engineering.

Restorative medicine has a constant need for improved scaffold materials. Degradable biopolymers often suffer from uncontrolled chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis by the host. The need for a second surgery on the other hand is a major drawback for nondegradable scaffold materials.

The effect of modified polysialic acid based hydrogels on the adhesion and viability of primary neurons and glial cells.

In this study we present the enzymatic and biological analysis of polysialic acid (polySia) based hydrogel in terms of its degradation and cytocompatibility. PolySia based hydrogel is completely degradable by endosialidase enzyme which may avoid second surgery after tissue recovery. Viability assay showed that soluble components of polySia hydrogel did not cause any toxic effect on cultured Schwann cells.