Abstract
Hydrophobically modified derivatives of hyaluronic acid (HA) are characterized by means of differential scaning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. Simultaneously, viscosity and elasticity are monitored by rheological measurements. Alkylation of HA macromolecule brings about a strong change in the rheological properties of the biopolymer, which leads to the succesful micelle formation process. The latter then create a highly organized supramolecular structure in the solution, which at the length of the alkyl chain of C15 and higher, is characterized by the creation of the isotropic liquid crystal phase transition.
The authors would like to express their gratitude for the financing of this research by the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports of the Czech Republic (Grant VZ MSM7088352101). Author L. L., Jr. would also like to express his gratitude for help and discussions to Dr. D. De Keukeleire and Dr. J. Demeester (Faculty of Pharmacy, State University in Ghent, Belgium).