Degradation of the hyaluronic acid complex of synovial fluid by proteolytic enzymes and by ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid

Abstract

Ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid aids the degradation of hyaluronic acid complex under various conditions. Papain has a proteolytic activity on the complex but appears, as a reducing agent, to cause more general degradation as well. Trypsin and chymotrypsin together can remove 65% of the protein from the complex without any loss of viscosity by the complex.