Study of Hyaluronan Degradation by Means of Rotational Viscometry: Contribution of the Material of Viscometer

The molecular parameters of nine hyaluronan (HA) samples were determined by the method of size exclusion chromatography. The flow behaviour of the HA solutions was investigated by capillary and rotational viscometry. The dependences of the molecular mass on the radius of gyration or on the intrinsic viscosity number indicated that the HA samples investigated constitute a uniform set. Rotational viscometry during the measurements showed, however, a continual increase of the apparent viscosity of the HA solution. Addition of hydrogen peroxide into the solution in the metal cup brought a rapid loss of sample viscosity. These observations indicate that the material of rotational viscometer presumably influences the measurements.