Dependence of the biodegradability of carboxymethylcellulose on its supermolecular structure and molecular parameters

It has been established that the resorption of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) on its implantation into a living organism depends on its molecular mass, degree of substitution, and supermolecular structure. Its mechanism includes both hydrolytic breakdown of the main chain and macrophagal pinocytosis. It has been shown that CMC is absorbed completely and is excreted from the organism without accumulation.A. S. Sadykov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, fax (3712) 62 70 71. Translated from Khimiya Prirodnykh Soedinenii, No. 2, pp. 306–312, March–April, 1995. Original article submitted November 16, 1994.