Rheological Studies Dedicated to the Development of a Novel Injectable Polymeric Blend for Viscosupplementation Treatment

R. Lapasin, F. Segatti, D. Mercuri, G. De Conti, C. Spagnul and S. Fusi

Abstract
Viscosupplementation is an intra-articular symptomatic treatment of mild osteoarthritis. The treatment involves the injection of high-molecular-weight hyaluronan (HA), and especially of cross-linked HA to restore the lubricating and cushioning properties of the synovial fluid. This work involves the development of a novel viscosupplementation fluid based on amidated carboxymethylcellulose and obtained by blending the soluble polymer with its crosslinked derivative. Rheological analyses carried out under both oscillatory and continuous shear provided a rationale to assess the viscosupplement formulation and the production process. The hydrogel fraction content and the total polymer concentration can be properly selected in order to ensure an optimal combination of flowability and viscoelastic properties.

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Keywords
amidated carboxymethylcellulose, viscosupplementation, polymeric blend, hydrogel, rheology