Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the depolymerization of glycosaminoglycanes characterized by the use of UVC radiation. The invention also relates to the intermediate depolymerized heparin obtained by the process. The intermediate depolymerized heparin can be dissolved in a buffer solution and fractionated by gel permeation for obtaining the desired molecular weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the depolymerization of glycosaminoglycanes characterized by the use of electron beam radiation, optionally in the presence of an organic compound selected from the group consisting of ethers, alcohols, aldehydes, amides and formic acid. The invention also relates to the intermediate depolymerized heparin obtained by the process. The intermediate depolymerized heparin can be dissolved in a buffer solution and fractionated by gel permeation for obtaining the desired molecular weight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the depolymerization of glycosaminoglycanes characterized by the use of high-energy radiation in the presence of an organic compound selected from the group consisting of ethers, alcohols, aldehydes, amides and formic acid. The invention also relates to intermediate depolymerized heparin having a molecular weight of between 1,000 and 5,500, absorbance at 400 nm below 0.300 and ratio SO3?/COO?equal to or higher than in the starting heparin. The intermediate depolymerized heparin can be dissolved in a buffer solution and fractionated by gel permeation for obtaining the desired molecular weight.

Abstract: There is provided a process for preparing epoxy-heparide polysaccharides of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein A is a pyran ring with substituents 1 and 4 in the axial position and 5 in the equatorial position, and R and R' are hexosamines which constitute a polysaccharide chain bonded to said ring A by a glucoside, and one of R and R' is H when the ring A is in the terminal position of said polysaccharide chains, and said heparide has a COCH.sub.3 to COOH ratio of 0.5, said process comprisinga) N-desulfation of heparin to obtain the corresponding heparamine;b) acetylation of the heparamine of step (a) to obtain the corresponding heparide;c) epoxidation of the heparide of step (b) by treating the heparide with hydrogen peroxide in an alkaline reaction medium at pH 12-14; andd) cooling the solution obtained in step (c) to a temperature of between 15.degree. and 25.degree. C. and adjusting the pH to between 5.8 and 6.0.