This guide contains a listing of those characterization parameters that are directly related to the functionality of hyaluronan. This guide can be used as an aid in the selection and characterization of the appropriate hyaluronan for a particular application. This guide is intended to give guidance in the methods and types of testing necessary to properly characterize, assess, and ensure consistency in the performance of a particular hyaluronan. It may have use in the regulation of these devices by appropriate authorities.

The hyaluronan covered by this guide may be gelled, cross-linked, extruded, or otherwise formulated into biomedical devices for use in tissue engineered medical products or drug delivery devices for implantation as determined to be appropriate, based on supporting biocompatibility and physical test data. Recommendations in this guide should not be interpreted as a guarantee of clinical success in any tissue engineered medical product or drug delivery application.

To ensure that the material supplied satisfies requirements for use in TEMPs, several general areas of characterization should be considered. These are: identity of hyaluronan, physical and chemical characterization and testing, impurities profile, and performance-related tests.

1.1 This guide covers the evaluation of hyaluronan suitable for use in biomedical or pharmaceutical applications, or both, including, but not limited to, Tissue Engineered Medical Products (TEMPs).

1.2 This guide addresses key parameters relevant to the characterization and purity of hyaluronan.

1.3 As with any material, some characteristics of hyaluronan may be altered by processing techniques, such as cross-linking and sterilization, required for the production of a specific formulation or device. Therefore, properties of fabricated forms of this polymer should be evaluated using test methods that are appropriate to ensure safety and efficacy and are not addressed in this guide.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.