The invention in particular involves the use of polyanhydroglucuronic acids and salts thereof. The term polyanhydroglucuronic acid and salts there of as used herein also includes copolymers thereof, especially with anhydroglucose. This is hereinafter referred to as PAGA.

Co-pending patent application PCT IE98/00004 describes particular polyanhydroglucuronic acids and salts thereof and a method of preparing such compounds. In particular therefore, the term polyanhydroglucuronic acids and salts thereof includes the acids and salts referred to in this co-pending application.

Statements of Invention According to the invention there is provided a non-woven flat flexible material formed from a biocompatible anionic polysaccharide material wherein at least 5% of the basic structural units of the polysaccharide are glucuronic acid.

Preferably the polysaccharide is derived from a starch, cellulose or gum, or is of microbrial origin.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the polysaccharide material is polyanhydroglucuronic acid, biocompatible salts thereof, copolymer thereof or a biocomptatible intermolecular complex thereof.

The biocompatible intermolecular polymer complex is preferably a complex of an anionic component comprising a linear or branched polysaccharide chain containing glucuronic acid ; and a non protein cationic component comprising a linear or branched natural, semi-synthetic or synthetic oligomer or polymer.

In one embodiment the cationic component contains nitrogen that either carries a positive charge or wherein the positive charge is induced by contact with the polysaccharidic anionic component. In this case the cationic component may be selected from derivatives of acrylamide, methacrylamide and copolymers thereof. Preferably the cationic component is selected from polyacrylamide, copolymer of hydroxyethylmethacrylate and hydroxypropylmetacrylamide, copolymers of acrylamide, butylacrylate, maleinanhydride and/or methylmetacrylate.

The cationic component may be a cationised natural polysaccharide. In this case preferably the polysaccharide is a starch, cellulose or gum. Preferably the gum is guargumhydroxypropyltriammonium chloride.

The cationic component may be a synthetic or semi-synthetic polyamino acid. In this case the cationic component is preferably polylysin, polyarginin, or oc, ß-poly- [N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-DL-aspartamide].

In another embodiment the cationic component is a synthetic anti-fibrinolytic.

The anti-fibrinolytic is preferably a hexadimethrindibromide (polybren).

In a further embodiment the cationic component is a natural or semi-synthetic peptide. The peptide may be a protamine, gelatine, fibrinopeptide, or derivatives thereof.

In another embodiment the cationic component is an aminoglucane or derivatives thereof. Preferably the aminoglucane is fractionated chitin or its de-acetylated derivative chitosan. The aminoglucane may be of microbial origin or is isolated from the shells of arthropods such as crabs.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the anionic component is polyanhydroglucuronic acid and/or bicompatible salts and/or copolymers thereof.

In an especially preferred embodiment the polyanhydroglucuronic acid and salts thereof contain in their polymeric chain from 8 to 30 per cent by weight of carboxyl groups, at least 80 per cent by weight of these groups being of the uronic type, at most 5 per cent by weight of carbonyl groups, and at most 0. 5 per cent by weight of bound nitrogen.

Preferably the polyanhydroglucuronic acid and salts thereof contain in their polymeric chain at most 0. 2 per cent by weight of bound nitrogen.

In one embodiment of the invention the molecular mass of the polymeric chain of the anionic component is from lx103 to 3xi05 Daltons. Ideally the molecular mass of the polymeric chain of the anionic component ranges from 5x103 to 1. 5 x 105 Daltons.

In one embodiment of the invention the content of carboxyl groups is in the range of from 12 to 26 per cent by weight, at least 95 per cent of these groups being of the uronic type.

In another embodiment the anionic component contains at most 1 per cent by weight of carbonyl groups.

Preferably the carbonyl groups are intra- and intermolecular 2, 6 and 3, 6 hemiacetals, 2, 4- hemialdals and C2-C3 aldehydes.

In one preferred embodiment the cationic component is gelatine.

In another preferred embodiment the cationic component is chitosan.

The material may include at least one biocompatible biologically active substance.

The material may alternatively or additionally include at least one biologically acceptable adjuvant.

The material may be in the form of a textile-like non woven, an impregnated textile, a film or a foam.

Detailed Description Polyanhydroglucuronic acid and salts in a microfibre form, particularly as described in co-pending application PCT IE98/00004 are converted into a non- woven textile-like material. The textile-like material may be directly used as a flat haemostatic pad and/or dressing. Alternatively the material may be cut and/or pressed into a desired shape such as a tampon or the like.

For example, the material may provide an inner absorbing layer of biocompatible pads and plasters, single or multilayer dressings, resorbent pads and packaging, particularly for use in packings in surgery and gynaecology. The material may

include any suitable therapeutic agent such as an antimicrobial, antibacterial or an immunomodulative substance such as bestatin.

The microfibres of polyanhydroglucuronic acid and salts thereof may be converted into a non-woven textile-like material using any suitable method.

Techniques similar to those used in the paper industry may be used. For example, the mixture of microfibrillar product may be converted using known separation techniques such as porous barrier separation or sieve technology, followed by washing and dehydration.

Alternatively, polyanhydroglucuronic acid and salts in a microdispersed form, particularly as described in co-pending application PCT IE98/00004, may be incorporated into a conventional textile material such as dressing or plaster pad.

The partially or fully impregnated textile material may then be directly used as a flat haemostatic pad and/or dressing. It may also include any suitable therapeutic agent such as antimicrobial, antibacterial or an immunomodulative substance.

The incorporation may be performed using any suitable method. Techniques similar to those used in the textile industry may be used. For example, dispersion of the polyanhydroglucuronic acid and salts thereof in a suitable solvent such as water/alcohol mixtures applied to the textile substrate by conventional methods such as roll coating or spray coating.

As a further alternative, polyanhydroglucuronic acid and salts thereof in a microdispersed dorm, particularly as described in co-pending application PCT IE 98/00004, may be transformed into flat flexible foams or films.

For example, these materials may be used as inner absorbing layer of biocompatible pads and plasters, single or multilayer dressings, resorbent pads and

packings, particularly for use in packings in surgery and gynaecology or as tampons in ENT surgery. The material may include any suitable therapeutic agent such as an antimicrobial, antibacterial or an immunomodulative substance.

Polyanhydroglucuronic acid and salts thereof may be covered into a foam or film material using any suitable method. Techniques similar to those used in the polymer film-making industry may be used. For example, suitable film-forming formulations containing the polyanhydroglucuronic acid and salts thereof, and eventually foaming or crosslinking agents as the case may be, can be injected or cast into suitable moulds and then dried or freeze-dried by conventional techniques.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof given by way of example only.

Examples of Polymer Complexes of Glucuronoglucanes Example 1 : Material ; long-fibre cotton - medicinal cotton wool oxidised by NxOy (proprietary) C600H 18.8 %b/w ash content < 0. 1 % b/w ZC=0 0. 6 %b/w 20% solution Na2CO3 (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) CaCl2.6H20 anal.grade (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) demineralised water 2pS ethanol, synthetic rectified conc. 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) acid acetic anal. grade (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) H202 anal.grade 30% (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice)

N-HANCE 3000 guargumhydroxypropyltriammoniumchloride (Aqualon - Hercules) Equipment : mixer : bottom stirring, 1501 (duplicator), stainless steel EXTRA S vibrating screen : stainless steel, 150 mesh rotary air pump : rotor diameter 150 mm turbostirrer : ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) beaker : 51 pH meter PICCOLO thermocouple thermometer Procedure : 30g of N-HANCE 3000 were placed into and 5 1 beaker and 3 1 of demineralised water 2S were added. Contents of the beaker were intensely stirred for 30 minutes. The pH value was adjusted to less than 4. 5 by addition of an acetic acid solution leading to a viscosity rise.

60 1 of demineralised water 2pS were introduced into a mixer. Then 3 kg of CaCl2.6H20 anal.grade were added and the contents heated up to a temperature of 50°C under stirring. On dissolution of the calcium chloride the stirring was interrupted and 2. 7 kg of the raw oxidised cotton wool were introduced. The mixer was closed and the contents were agitated for 120 seconds. Then the pH value of the contents was adjusted by addition of a 20% solution of Na2CO3 to 6 - 6. 5 and 13 kg of H202 30% were introduced. The fibre suspension was slowly agitated for 10 minutes. Then the pH value was readjusted to 4. 5 - 5. 0 and the prepared viscous solution of N-HANCE 3000 was introduced. The contents of the mixer were stirred intensely for 30 seconds. Subsequently 601 of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% were introduced into the mixer. After another 15 seconds from adding the ethanol the contents of the mixer were transferred onto a vibrating screen, and the supernatant. Liquid was filtered off. The filtration cake was redispersed in the mixer in 60 1 of a mixture of 18 1 of synthetic rectified ethanol

conc. 98% and 42 1 of demineralised water 2pS. The fibre suspension was filtered again on the vibrating screen.

The isolated material thus prepared may further serve to prepare final products of the nonwoven type via a wet or dry process.

Analysis : Ca content 4.0 % b/w Na content 1.8 % b/w I C=0 content 0.0 % b/w COOH content 20.7 % b/w Example 2 : Material : oxidised short-fibre cotton (Linters - Temming) (proprietary) C600H 16. 8 % b/w ash content < 0.15 % b/w ZC=0 2. 6 %b/w 20% solution Na2CO3 (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) CaCl2.6H20 anal.grade (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) redistilled water (PhBs 1997) ethanol, synthetic rectified conc. 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) isopropanol 99. 9% (Neuberg Bretang) H202 anal. grade 30% (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) gelatine (PhBs 1997) Equipment : turbostirrer : ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) sulphonation flask 11 heater 1. 5 kW laboratory centrifuge : 4000 rpm thermostated water bath

pH meter PICCOLO glass thermometer rotary vacuum dryer or hot-air dryer Procedure : Into a 1 1 sulphonation flask equipped with a turbostirrer and a heater, 400 ml of redistilled H20 were placed) 15. 73 g of CaCl2.6H20 were added and on dissolution, 40. 0 g of 20% Na2CO3 solution were introduced under stirring.

Subsequently, 50 g of oxidised Linters were added to the white emulsion formed and the contents were heated up to 95°C and the stirring intensity set to a maximum. After 10 minutes, 30 g of 30% H202 were added into the flask and the hydrolysis continued for another 10 minutes. The contents were then cooled down to 60°C on a water bath and the pH of the system was adjusted to a value of 4. 5 - 5. 0 by addition of 20% solution of Na2CO3. Furthermore, gelatine solution (10 g of gelatine in 70 g of redistilled H20) warmed up to 50°C was added and let to react for another 20 minutes. The flask contents were then cooled down to 30°C in a water bath and 626 ml of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% were added gradually under intense stirring. The suspension of IMC thus formed was isolated using a laboratory centrifuge. The supernatant liquid was filtered away and the cake was redispersed into 250 ml of 50% ethanol. The system was centrifuged again and after the separation of the supernatant liquid, the IMC was redispersed into 250 ml of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% and let to stay for 4 hours. It was then centrifuged again, redispersed into 99. 9 % isopropanol, and let to stay for a minimum of 10 hours at 20°C. The gel formed was centrifuged again and the product was dried in a rotary vacuum dryer or a hot-air dryer.

The product can be used, for instance, for microembolisation, for preparation of haemostatic dusting powders, for manufacture of polymer drugs, e. g. based on cytostatics, or for preparation of spheric particles for macroembolisation.

Analysis : content Ca 4.4 % b/w content Na 2.7 % b/w content # C=O 0.0 % b/w content COOH 20.5 % b/w content N 1.8 % b/w Example 3 : Material : oxidised short-fibre cotton (Linters - Temming) (proprietary) C600H 16. 8 % b/w ash content < 0.15 % b/w # C=O 2.6 % b/w NaOH anal. grade (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) redistilled water (PhBs 1997) ethanol, synthetic rectified conc. 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) isopropanol 99. 9% (Neuberg Bretang) H2O2 anal.grade 30% (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) gelatine (PhBs 1997) Equipment: turbostirrer: ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) sulphonation flask 1 1 heater 1. 5 kW laboratory centrifuge : 4000 rpm thermostated water bath pH meter PICCOLO glass thermometer rotary vacuum dryer or hot-air dryer

Procedure : Into a 1 1 sulphonation flask equipped with a turbostirrer and a heater, 400 ml of redistilled H20 were placed, and 8 g of NaOH were added. On dissolution, 50 g of oxidised Linters were added, the contents were heated up to 70°C and the stirring intensity set to a maximum. After 20 minutes, 40 g of 30% H202 were added into the flask, temperature was increased to 85°C, and maintained for another 10 minutes. The contents were then cooled down to 50°C on a water bath and gelatine solution (10 g of gelatine in 70 g of redistilled H20) warmed up to 50°C was added to the hydrolysate. The temperature was decreased to 25 - 30°C and the pH of the system was checked and adjusted to a value of 6. 0 - 6. 5.

Subsequently, 626 ml of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% were added gradually under intense stirring. The suspension of IMC thus formed was isolated using a laboratory centrifuge. The supernatant liquid was filtered away and the cake was redispersed into 250 ml of 50% ethanol. The system was centrifuged again and after the separation of the supernatant liquid, the IMC was redispersed into 250 ml of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% and let to stay for 4 hours. It was then centrifuged again, redispersed into 99. 9 % isopropanol, and let to stay for a minimum of 10 hours at 20°C. The gel formed was centrifuged again and the product was dried in a rotary vacuum dryer or a hot-air dryer.

The product can be used, for instance, for microembolisation, for preparation of haemostatic dusting powders, for manufacture of polymer drugs, e. g. based on cytostatics, or for preparation of spheric particles for macroembolisation.

Analysis : Na content 3. 8 % b/w E C=O content 0.0 % b/w COOH content 21.5 % b/w N content 2. 7 % b/w

Example 4 : Material : oxidised short-fibre cotton (Linters - Temming) (proprietary) C600H 16.8 %b/w ash content < 0.15 % b/w # C=O 2.6 % b/w 20% solution Na2CO3 (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) CaCl2.6H20 anal.grade (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) redistilled water (PhBs 1997) ethanol, synthetic rectified conc. 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) isopropanol 99. 9% (Neuberg Bretang) H202 anal.grade 30% (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) chitosan, degree of deacetylation 92% (Henkel) Equipment : turbostirrer : ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) sulphonation flask 11 heater 1. 5 kW laboratory centrifuge : 4000 rpm thermostated water bath pH meter PICCOLO glass thermometer rotary vacuum dryer or hot-air dryer Procedure : Into a sulphonation flask, 250 ml redistilled H20 were placed, and 5 g of NaOH were added. On dissolution, 25 g of oxidised Linters were introduced under stirring, the temperature increased to 50°C and the stirring intensity set to a maximum. After hydrolysing for 15 minutes, 35 g of 30% H202 were gradually

added to the system and the temperature was maintained at 50°C for another 20 minutes. The content were cooled down to 30°C and 400 g of highly viscous 5% solution of chitosan were added. The flask contents were then intensely stirred for another 10 minutes, and the pH of the system was adjusted, by addition of NaOH, to a value of 7. 0. Subsequently 300 ml of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% were added under stirring. The suspension of IMC thus formed was isolated using a laboratory centrifuge. The supernatant liquid was filtered away and the cake was redispersed into 250 ml of 50% ethanol. The system was centrifuged again and after the separation of the supernatant liquid, the IMC was redispersed into 250 ml of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% and let to stay for 4 hours. It was then centrifuged again, redispersed into 99. 9 % isopropanol, and let to stay for a minimum of 10 hours at 20°C. The gel formed was centrifuged again and the product was dried in a rotary vacuum dryer or a hot-air dryer.

The product can be used, for instance, for microembolisation, for preparation of haemostatic dusting powders, for manufacture of polymer drugs, e. g. based on cytostatics, or for preparation of spheric particles for macroembolisation.

Analysis : Na content 1.8 % b/w E C=O content 0. 0 % b/w COOH content 10.4 % b/w <BR> N content 2. 8 % b/w <BR> <BR> Example 5 : Material : oxidised short-fibre cotton (Linters - Temming) (proprietary) C600H 16. 8 % b/w ash content < 0.15 % b/w ZC=0 2. 6 %b/w

NaOH anal. grade (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) HC1 39% anal. grade (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) redistilled water (PhBs 1997) ethanol, synthetic rectified conc. 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) isopropanol 99. 9% (Neuberg Bretang) H202 anal. grade 30% (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) gelatine (PhBs 1997) Ambroxol (H. Mack, Germany) Equipment ; turbostirrer : ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) sulphonation flask 21 heater 1. 5 kW laboratory centrifuge : 4000 rpm laboratory pin mill ALPINE (35 000 rpm) thermostated water bath pH meter PICCOLO glass thermometer rotary vacuum dryer or hot-air dryer Procedure : Into a sulphonation flask, 400 ml redistilled H20 were placed, and 8 g of NaOH were added. On dissolution, 50 g of oxidised Linters were introduced under stirring, the temperature increased to 70°C and the stirring intensity was set to a maximum. After hydrolysing for 20 minutes, 40 g of 30% H202 were gradually added to the system and the temperature was increased to, and maintained at, 85°C for another 10 minutes. The content were cooled down to 50°C in a water bath, and gelatine solution (2 g of gelatine in 70 g of redistilled H20) warmed up to 50°C was added to the hydrolysate. The temperature was decreased to 25 - 30°C and the pH of the system was checked and adjusted to a value of 1.6 - 1.8

by addition of 39% HC1. Under intense stirring, a solution of Ambroxol (25g of ambroxolium hydrochloride in 500 ml of redistilled H20) was added gradually.

After agitating for 5 minutes the pH value was adjusted to 4. 3 -4. 6 by adding 5% NaOH solution, and 626 ml of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% were added under intense stirring. The suspension of Ambroxol containing IMC thus formed was isolated using a laboratory centrifuge. The supernatant liquid was filtered away and the cake was redispersed into, subsequently, 800 ml of 60% ethanol and 250 ml of 98% ethanol, wherein it was let to stay for a minimum of 10 hours. The system was centrifuged again and the product was dried at 40°C in a rotary vacuum dryer or a hot-air dryer. A white to slightly yellowish powder was obtained and further desagglomerated on an Alpine pin mill.

The product serves for the preparation of a mucoregulatory drug with a prolonged action.

Analysis : Nacontent 4.6 %b/w E C=O content 0.0 % b/w COOH content 14.8 % b/w N content 1.9 % b/w Example 6 : Material : oxidised short-fibre cotton (Linters - Temming) (proprietary) CaOOH 16. 8 %b/w ash content < 0.15 % b/w EC=0 2. 6 %b/w 20% solution Na2CO3 (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) CaCl2.6H20 anal.grade (Lachema, a.s. Neratovice) redistilled water (PhBs 1997) ethanol, synthetic rectified conc. 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.)

isopropanol 99. 9% (Neuberg Bretang) H202 anal. grade 30% (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) gelatine (PhBs 1997) gentamycin sulphate (MERCK) Equipment : turbostirrer : ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) sulphonation flask 21 heater 1. 5 kW laboratory centrifuge : 4000 rpm laboratory pin mill ALPINE (35 000 rpm) thermostated water bath pH meter PICCOLO glass thermometer hot-air dryer lyophiliser (Leibold Heraus, Germany) Procedure : Into a 2 1 sulphonation flask equipped with a turbostirrer and a heater, 400 ml of redistilled H2O were placed, 15. 73 g of CaCl2.6H20 were added and on dissolution, 40. 0 g of 20% Na2CO3 solution were introduced under stirring.

Subsequently, 50 g of oxidised Linters were added to the white emulsion formed and the contents were heated up to 95°C and the stirring intensity set to a maximum. After 10 minutes, 30 g of 30% H202 were added into the flask and the hydrolysis was continued for another 10 minutes. The contents were then cooled down to 60°C on a water bath and the pH of the system was adjusted to a value of 4. 5 - 5. 0 by addition of 20% solution of Na2CO3. Furthermore, gelatine solution (10 g of gelatine in 70 g of redistilled H20) warmed up to 50°C was added and let to react for another 20 minutes. The flask contents were then cooled down to 30°C in a water bath and 40 g of gentamycin sulphate in 600 ml of redistilled H20 were added gradually within 10 minutes. 626 ml of synthetic

rectified ethanol conc. 98% were then added gradually under intense stirring to the antibiotic containing IMC suspension formed. The suspension of IMC thus formed was isolated using a laboratory centrifuge. The supernatant liquid was filtered away and the cake was redispersed into 250 ml of 50% ethanol. The system was centrifuged again and after the separation of the supernatant liquid, the IMC was redispersed into 250 ml of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% and let to stay for 4 hours. It was then centrifuged again, redispersed into 99. 9 % isopropanol, and let to stay for a minimum of 10 hours at 20°C. The gel formed was centrifuged again and the product was dried in a rotary vacuum dryer or a hot-air dryer.

The product can be used, for instance, for the manufacture of a dusting powder or a powder spray for the treatment of infected wounds.

Analysis : Ca content 2.4 % b/w Na content 1. 6 % b/w E C=O content 0.0 % b/w COOH content 9.6 % b/w N content 2.7 % b/w Example 7 : Material : long-fibre cotton - medicinal cotton wool oxidised by NxOy (proprietary) C600H 18.8 %b/w ash content < 0. 1 % b/w IC=0 0. 6 %b/w 20% solution Na2CO3 (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) CaCl2.6H20 anal.grade (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice)

demineralised water 2pS ethanol, synthetic rectified conc. 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) isopropanol 99. 9% (Neuberg Bretang) acid acetic anal. grade (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) H202 anal.grade 30% (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) N-HANCE 3000 guargumhydroxypropyltriammoniumchloride (Aqualon - Hercules) polybren (hexadimethrindibromide) (FLUKA) chlorhexidindigluconate Equipment : mixer : bottom stirring, 150 1 (duplicator), stainless steel EXTRA S vibrating screen : stainless steel, 150 mesh rotary air pump : rotor diameter 150 mm turbostirrer : ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) beaker : 51 pH meter PICCOLO thermocouple thermometer Procedure : 30g of N-HANCE 3000 were placed into and 5 1 beaker and 3 1 of demineralised water 2iS were added. Contents of the beaker were intensely stirred for 30 minutes. The pH value was adjusted to less than 4. 5 by addition of an acetic acid solution leading to a viscosity rise.

60 1 of demineralised water 2pS were introduced into a mixer. Then 3 kg of CaCl2.6H20 anal.grade were added and the contents heated up to a temperature of 50°C under stirring. On dissolution of the calcium chloride the stirring was interrupted and 2. 7 kg of the raw oxidised cotton wool were introduced. The mixer was closed and the contents were agitated for 120 seconds. Then the pH value of the contents was adjusted by addition of a 20% solution of Na2CO3 to 6 -

6. 5 and 13 kg of H202 30% were introduced. The fibre suspension was slowly agitated for 10 minutes. Then the pH value was readjusted to 4. 5 - 5. 0 and the prepared viscous solution of N-HANCE 3000 was introduced. The contents of the mixer were stirred intensely for 30 seconds. A solution of 35 g of chlorhexidine digluconate in 350 ml of demineralised water 2pS was then introduced slowly within 10 minutes. Within another 10 minutes, a solution of polybren containing 120 g of polybrenu in 1000 ml, of demineralised water 2,uS was added.

Subsequently 60 1 of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% were introduced into the mixer. After another 15 seconds from adding the ethanol, the contents of the mixer were transferred onto a vibrating screen, and the supernatant. Liquid was filtered off. The filtration cake was redispersed in the mixer in 60 1 of a mixture of 181 of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% and 42 1 of demineralised water 2gus.

The fibre suspension was filtered again on the vibrating screen.

The isolated material thus prepared may further serve to prepare, via a wet or dry process, final products of the nonwoven type having an enhanced haemostatic activity and a bactericidal effect.

Analysis : Ca content 3. 6 % b/w Na content 1.9 % btw S C=0 content 0. 0 % b/w COOH content 18.1 % b/w N content 0.35 % b/w Example 8 : Material ; oxidised short-fibre cotton (Linters - Temming) (proprietary) CeOOH 16. 8 %b/w ash content < 0. 15 % b/w

ZC=0 2. 6 %b/w 20% solution Na2CO3 (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) CaCl2.6H20 anal.grade (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) redistilled water (PhBs 1997) ethanol, synthetic rectified conc. 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) isopropanol 99. 9% (Neuberg Bretang) H202 anal. grade 30% (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) Chitosan, degree of deacetylation 92% (Henkel) Clarithromycin lactobionan (Abbott Laboratories, Italy) Equipment : turbostirrer : ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) sulphonation flask 11 heater 1. 5 kW laboratory centrifuge : 4000 rpm thermostated water bath pH meter PICCOLO glass thermometer rotary vacuum dryer or hot-air dryer dialysing bag (regenerated cellulose) lyophiliser (Leybold Heraus, Germany) laboratory pin mill ALPINE (35 000 rpm) Procedure : Into a sulphonation flask, 250 ml redistilled H20 were placed, and 5 g of NaOH were added. On dissolution, 25 g of oxidised Linters were introduced under stirring, the temperature increased to 50°C and the stirring intensity set to a maximum. After hydrolysing for 15 minutes, 35 g of 30% H202 were gradually added to the system and the temperature was maintained at 50°C for another 20 minutes. The content were cooled down to 30°C and 400 g of highly viscous 2% solution of chitosan, having a pH value of 3. 5, were added. The flask contents

were then intensely stirred for another 10 minutes, and the pH of the system was adjusted, by addition of NaOH, to a value of 7. 0. During another 10 minutes, a solution of clarithromycin (44 g of clarithromycin in 456 ml of redistilled H20) was introduced and the pH of the system was adjusted to a value of 7. 0-7. 5.

Stirring was interrupted, the flask contents were transferred into a dialysing bag and dialysed against water for 48 hours. Subsequently the product was isolated by centrifugation, lyophilised, and disintegrated on the laboratory pin mill ALPINE.

The product can be used, for instance, to prepare tablets or granules efficient against Helicobacter pylori occurring in the gastrointestinal tract.

Analysis : Na content 4. 8 % b/w # C=O content 0.0 % b/w <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> COOHcontent 18.8 %b/w <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> N content 0. 7 % b/w Example 9 : Material : oxidised short-fibre cotton (Linters - Temming) (proprietary) C600H 16.8 % b/w ash content < 0.15 % b/w ZC=0 2. 6 %b/w NaOH anal. grade (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) redistilled water (PhBs 1997) ethanol, synthetic rectified conc. 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) isopropanol 99. 9% (Neuberg Bretang) H2O2 anal.grade 30% (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) gelatine (PhBs 1997) Bi (N03). 5H20 (MERCK)

Equipment: turbostirrer: ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) sulphonation flask 21 heater 1. 5 kW laboratory centrifuge : 4000 rpm thermostated water bath pH meter PICCOLO glass thermometer rotary vacuum dryer or hot-air dryer Procedure : Into a sulphonation flask, 400 ml redistilled H20 were placed, and 8 g of NaOH were added. On dissolution, 50 g of oxidised Linters were introduced under stirring, the temperature increased to 70°C and the stirring intensity was set to a maximum. After hydrolysing for 20 minutes, 40 g of 30% H202 were gradually added to the system and the temperature was increased to, and maintained at, 85°C for another 10 minutes. The content were cooled down to 50°C in a water bath, and gelatine solution (0. 5 g of gelatine in 50 ml of redistilled H20) warmed up to 50°C was added to the hydrolysate. The temperature was decreased to 25 - 30°C and the pH of the system was checked and adjusted to a value of 1.6 - 1.8 by addition of 39% HC1. A freshly prepared solution of BiNOs (54 g of BiN03. 5H20 in 746 ml of H2O) was introduced and the temperature maintained for another 15 minutes. Then the temperature was decreased to 25 - 30°C and the pH of the system was checked and readjusted to a value of 5. 5 - 6. 0. 626 ml of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% were then added gradually under intense stirring. to the formed. The BiO+ containing IMC suspension thus formed was isolated using a laboratory centrifuge. The supernatant liquid was filtered away and the cake was redispersed into 250 ml of 50% ethanol. The system was centrifuged again and after the separation of the supernatant liquid, the IMC was redispersed into 250 ml of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% and let to stay for

a minimum of 4 hours. It was then centrifuged again, redispersed into 99. 9 % isopropanol, and let to stay for a minimum of 10 hours at 20°C. The suspension formed was then centrifuged again and the product was dried in a rotary vacuum dryer or a hot-air dryer.

The product can be used, for instance, to prepare dusting powders for wound treatment or tablets for treatment of gastrointestinal tract malfunctions.

Analysis : Na content 1.9 % b/w E C=O content 0.0 % b/w COOH content 20. 0 % b/w N content < 0.3 % b/w Bi content 4.7 % b/w Example 10 : Material : oxidised short-fibre cotton (Linters - Temming) (proprietary) C600H 16.8 %b/w ash content < 0.15 % b/w EC=0 2. 6 %b/w 20% solution Na2CO3 (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) CaC12. 6H20 anal. grade (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) redistilled water (PhBs 1997) ethanol, synthetic rectified conc. 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) isopropanol 99. 9% (Neuberg Bretang) H2O2 anal.grade 30% (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) gelatine (PhBs 1997) cimetidine hydrochloride (SPOFA)

Equipment : turbostirrer : ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) sulphonation flask 21 heater 1. 5 kW laboratory centrifuge : 4000 rpm thermostated water bath pH meter PICCOLO glass thermometer rotary vacuum dryer or hot-air dryer Procedure : Into a 1 1 sulphonation flask equipped with a turbostirrer and a heater, 400 ml of redistilled H20 were placed, 15. 73 g of CaClz. 6Hz0 were added and on dissolution, 40. 0 g of 20% Na2CO3 solution were introduced under stirring.

Subsequently, 50 g of oxidised Linters were added to the white emulsion formed and the contents were heated up to 95°C and the stirring intensity set to a maximum. After 10 minutes, 30 g of 30% H202 were added into the flask and the hydrolysis was continued for another 10 minutes. The contents were then cooled down to 60°C on a water bath and the pH of the system was adjusted to a value of 4. 5 - 5. 0 by addition of 20% solution of Na2CO3. Furthermore, gelatine solution (10 g of gelatine in 70 g of redistilled H20) warmed up to 50°C was added and let to react for another 20 minutes. The flask contents were then cooled down to 30°C in a water bath and a solution of cimetidine (36 g of cimetidine hydrochloride in 400 ml of redistilled H20) were added under intens stirring. The contents were intensely agitated for 10 minutes and 800 ml of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% were then added gradually. The suspension of IMC thus formed was isolated using a laboratory centrifuge. The supernatant liquid was filtered away and the cake was redispersed into 250 ml of 50% ethanol. The system was centrifuged again and after the separation of the supernatant liquid, the IMC was redispersed into 250 ml of synthetic rectified ethanol conc. 98% and let to stay for 4 hours. It was then centrifuged again, redispersed into 99. 9 %

isopropanol, and let to stay for a minimum of 10 hours at 20°C. The gel formed was centrifuged again and the product was dried in a rotary vacuum dryer or a hot-air dryer.

The product can be used, for instance, to manufacture tablets or granulates for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract or other non-malignant ulcerations.

Analysis : Ca content 4.4 % b/w Na content 2.7 % b/w SC=0 content 0.0 % b/w COOH content 20. 5 % b/w N content 2.1 % b/w Example 11 : Material : IMC-MDOC complex (as per above Example 2) [ (2S ; 2R) -3-amino-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutenoyl] -L-leucin (Bestatin) (Boehringer Mannheim, Germany) redistilled water (PhBs 1997) methanol, conc. anal. grade (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) diethylether (Lachema, a. s. Neratovice) Equipment: turbostirrer: ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) sulphonation flask 21 laboratory centrifuge : 4000 rpm hot-air dryer

Procedure : The IMC-MDOC complex as prepared in Example 2 above was redispersed into redistilled water in a sulphonation flask using a turbostirrer. A solution of Bestatin in methanol was then added to the flask in an amount sufficient to yield a 10% b/w concentration of Bestatin in the resulting Bestatin-gelatine-MDOC complex.

After thorough homogenisation, the suspension formed was isolated by centrifugation. The supernatant liquid ws filtered away and the filtration cake was redispersed into concentrated methanol again, centrifuged, redispersed in diethylether, and after being allowed to stay for 1 hour, it was dried in a hot-air dryer.

The product, a microdispersed form of a Bestatin-gelatine-MDOC complex, can be used, for instance, to prepare microembolisation agents used in regional chemotherapy of malignant tumours or flat dressing structures for wound treatment.

Example A: Preparation of rigid foams from I:MC-MDOC complex containing gelatine MDOC = Microdispersed oxidised cellulose.

Material : IMC-MDOC complex - see Example 3 1, 2-dihydroxypropane (Sigma) gelatine, hydrolysed (Infusia, a. s.) glycerol, medicinal (PhBs 1997) redistilled H20 Equipment : turbostirrer ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) sulphonation flask 1 Litre beaker 250 ml

lyophiliser Procedure : 400 g IMC-MDOC complex, 100 g gelatine, 100 g 1, 2-dihydroxypropane, 500 ml redistilled water and 100 g glycerol were introduced into the sulphonation flask.

The mixture was heated up to 70°C and homogenised using the propeller stirrer.

Thereafter, the mixture was injected into suitably shaped moulds. After cooling down to room temperature, the moulds were placed into the lyophiliser and the mass lyophilised. Tampons of the required shape were obtained in the form of a rigid flexible foam.

Indication : Suitable for use as biocompatible and fully resorbable nasal tampons.

Example B : Preparation of rigid foams from IMC-MDOC complex containing cnitosan Material : IMC-MDOC complex - see Example 3 1, 2-dihydroxypropane (Sigma) gelatine, hydrolysed (Infusia, a. s.) glutaraldehyde (Sigma) chitosan, degree of deacetylation 92 % (Henkel) glycerol, medicinal (PhBs 1997) redistilled H20 Equipment : turbostirrer ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) sulphonation flask 1 Litre beaker 250 ml lyophiliser

Procedure : 400 g IMC-MDOC complex, 100 g gelatine, 100 g 1, 2-dihydroxypropane, 500 ml redistilled water and 100 g glycerol were introduced into the sulphonation flask.

The mixture was heated up to 70°C and homogenised using the propeller stirrer.

Subsequently, 20 g of chitosan were added, and the mixture was homogenised for 5 minutes, 200 g of glutaraldehyde were added and the mixture was maintained at 70°C until the viscosity attained the value of 500 mPas. The mixture was then injected into suitably shaped moulds. After cooling down to room temperature, the moulds were placed into the lyophiliser and the mass was lyophilised. Foamed sheets of the required shape consisting of an insoluble, highly absorbant, crosslinked foam were obtained.

Indication : Suitable for use as inner absorbing layers of biocompatible pads and plasters.

Example C : Preparation of flat textile-like structures from MDOC Material : partially dehydrated MDOC fibre suspension - see Example 1 (proprietary) demineralised water 2pS ethanol, synthetic rectified conc. 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) isopropanol 99. 9% (Neuberg Bretang) Equipment : mixer : bottom stirring, 150 litre (duplicator), stainless steel EXTRA S vibrating screen : stainless steel, 150 mesh rotary air pump : rotor diameter 150 mm

Procedure : Partially dehydrated MDOC fibre suspension prepared from oxidised cotton value by the procedure according to Example 1 was dispersed into a 15 % aqueous solution of ethanol to a concentration of 0. 8 % b/w. The resulting suspension was transferred onto a vibrating screen and a flat sheet was formed using vacuum suction. The sheet was covered with concentrated isopropanol and allowed to stand for 30 minutes. The Isopropanol was then removed by vacuum suction and the sheet allowed to dry on the screen. The dry flat sheet representing a quasi- nonwoven textile-like structure and having an area weight of 160 g/m2 was then cut into appropriate formats as required.

Indication : Suitable for use in preparation of plasters or as resorbant pads and packings in surgery and gynaecology.

Example D : Preparation of flat textile-like structures from MDOC Material : partially dehydrated MDOC fibre suspension - see Examples 1 and 7 (proprietary) demineralised water 2,uS ethanol, synthetic rectified conc. 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) isopropanol 99. 9% (Neuberg Bretang) Equipment : paper sieve sheeter (FRANKE, Weinheim-Birkenau, Germany), sieve diameter 200 mm

Procedure : Partially dehydrated MDOC fibre suspensions prepared from oxidised cotton value by the procedure according to Examples 1 and 7 were mixed together in a 1 : 1 proportion and dispersed into demineralised water to a concentration of 1. 2 % b/w within the glass storage tank of the sieve sheeter using compressed air. Water was sucked off and the resulting sheet was subsequently dehydrated by concentrated ethanol and isopropanol. A flat sheet representing a quasi-nonwoven textile-like structure and having an area weight of 230 g/m2 was obtained on drying.

Indication : Suitable for use in preparation of dressing and plaster pads.

Example D : Preparation of flat textile-like structures from MDOC Material : partially dehydrated MDOC fibre suspension - see Example 1 (proprietary) demineralisedwater 2pS polyacrylamide, 50 % aqueous solution (Aldrich) Equipment : paper sieve sheeter (FRANKE, Weinheim-Birkenau, Germany), sieve diameter 200 mm counter-flow drier BINDER Procedure : Partially dehydrated MDOC fibre suspension prepared from oxidised cotton value by the procedure according to Examples 1 and polyacrylamide solution, in an amount of 10 % b/w of polyacrylamide calculated on the dry MDOC fibre matter

basis, were dispersed into demineralised water to an overall suspension concentration of 3. 0 % b/w within the glass storage tank of the sieve sheeter using compressed air. Water was sucked off and the resulting sheet was dried in the counter-flow drier at a temperature of 40°C. A flat sheet representing a quasi- nonwoven textile-like structure and having an area weight of 200 g/m2 was obtained on drying.

Indication : Suitable for use in preparation of multilayer dressing materials.

Exalnple F: Preparation of rigid foams from IMC-MDOC complex containing cbitosan andbestatin Material : IMC-MDOC bestatin complex - see Example 11 chitosan, degree of deacetylation 92 % (Henkel) polyacrylamide, 50 % aqueous solution (Aldrich) glycerol, medicinal (PhBs 1997) redistilled H20 Equipment : turbostirrer ULTRA TURAX (Janke-Kunkel) sulphonation flask 1 Litre laboratory heater counter-flow drier (BINDER) Procedure : Bestatin containing IMC-MDOC complex as prepared according to Example 11, glycerol, 25% aqueous solution of polyacrylamide, 3% solution of chitosan in acetic acid solution and redistilled water were placed into the sulphonation flask in amounts such that the glycerol content in the system attains 30% b/w and that

of the IMC-MDOC complex attains 0. 1% b/w. The mixture was thoroughly homogenised for 5 minutes using the turbostirrer, and n-pentane in an amount of 3%, calculated on the total volume basis, was added and dispersed into the system. The mixture was injected into suitably shaped moulds and dried to obtain flexible foamed sheets.

Indication : Suitable for use in preparation of embolisation agents, plasters and similar products.

Example G : Preparation of flat textile-like structures containing MDOC and IMC-MDOC complex with bestatin Material : cotton dressing pad MDOC (Ca/Na salt of PAGA), particle size 0. 1 - 2.0 pu, specific surface area 86 m2/g, COOH group content 22. 2 % b/w, Ca content 4. 2 % b/w, Na content 3. 8 % b/w IMC-MDOC bestatin complex - see Example 11 ethanol synthetic rectified 98% (Chemopetrol Litvinov, a. s.) demineralisedwater 2pS Equipment : continuous spray-coating equipment.

Procedure : A dispersion of MDOC Ca/Na containing 10 % b/w IMC-MDOC bestatin complex prepared by the procedure according to Example 11 in 88. 5% aqueous solution of ethanol was prepared within the storage tank of the spray coater. The dispersion was spray coated onto a cotton knitted pad to achieve an add-on within

a range of area weights between 10 to 500 g/m2. An impregnated flat textile-like structure was obtained on evaporating the aqueous ethanol.

Indication : Suitable for use in preparation of dressing materials for e. g. covering skin lesions after surgical removal of skin neoplasies.

This invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in detail.