The structure of hydroxyethyl starch

Abstract

1 It is suggested that the structure currently used to describe hydroxyethyl starch (a blood plasma volume expander) is a gross oversimplification. 2 A model having a much more complex substitution-pattern is proposed, and an accurate, rapid test has been devised for distinguishing between the two models. 3 This test shows that the simple model has no basis in reality, and that the more complex substitution pattern is correct. 4 Studies involving the enzymic hydrolysis of hydroxyethyl starch are shown to provide qualitative support for the new model, and the significance of the findings is discussed.