Abstract: The present invention is drawn to inner esters of gellan, wherein the carboxy groups are esterified with hydroxy groups from either the same or different molecules of gellan. The present invention is further drawn to methods of using the present inner esters of gellan in the fields of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and in sanitary and surgical articles. The present invention is further drawn to products made from inner esters of gellan and to be used in the indicated fields.

Abstract: Provided are orthopedic fasteners and replacements such as nails, screws, pins, hip and knee replacements, etc., coated with hydrogels and other biocompatible/biodegradable materials which expand in the presence of liquids. Swelling of such coatings causes the fastener or replacement to be securely fixed into position once inserted into bone material. Useful coating materials include methacrylates, hyaluronic acid esters, and crosslinked esters of hyaluronic acid resulting from the esterification of hyaluronic acid with polyhydric alcohols. Also provided is a method for fixing a bone or bone replacement in position employing such coated orthopedic fasteners or replacements.

Abstract: Biomaterials are disclosed comprised of biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioabsorbable composite membranes for use in surgery for the guided regeneration of tissues. The composite membranes are comprised of threads embedded in a matrix, wherein both the matrix and the threads can be comprised of esters of hyaluronic acid, used singly or in combination, or esters of hyaluronic acid in combination with esters of alginic acid or other polymers.

Abstract: Biomaterials are disclosed comprised of biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioabsorbable nonwoven fabric materials for use in surgery for the guided regeneration of tissues. The non-woven fabric materials are comprised of threads embedded in a matrix, wherein both the matrix and the threads can be comprised of esters of hyaluronic acid, used singly or in combination, or esters of hyaluronic acid in combination with esters of alginic acid or other polymers.

Abstract: Pectic acid and pectinic acid may be totally or partially esterified with aliphatic, arylaliphatic, cycloaliphatic or heterocyclic alcohols. When the acid is only partially esterified, the remaining free carboxyl groups may be salified with inorganic or organic bases. The esters may be used in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, alimentary and cosmetic fields. The esters may be prepared from a quaternary ammonium salt of pectic acid or pectinic acid and an esterifying agent such as a halogenide.