Biocompatible materials containing stable complexes of TSG-6 and hyaluronan and method of using same

1. A method for inhibiting inflammation or for providing a chondroprotective effect, comprising introducing a biocompatible material locally to the site of inflammation in a patient in need thereof, the biocompatible material being in the form of a water insoluble covalently cross-linked gel, wherein

the biocompatible material in the form of a water insoluble covalently cross-linked gel comprises:

hyaluronan (HA), as a water insoluble covalently cross-linked HA gel or mutually cross-linked with at least one other polymer in a water insoluble covalently cross-linked gel; and

TNF-stimulated gene 6 protein (TSG-6) in a stable complex with said HA, wherein said TSG-6 in said stable complex is capable of transferring heavy chains (HCs) of inter-α-inhibitor (IαI) to bound or free HA.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the biocompatible material is implanted in the patient.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said HA is the water insoluble covalently cross-linked HA gel to which TSG-6 is complexed.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the stable complex of TSG-6 and HA is resistant to treatment with 6M guanidine HCl containing 8% lauryl sulfobetain (3-(Dodecyldimethylammonio) propanesulfonate, Zwittergent®) for 30 minutes at ambient temperature or is resistant to boiling in reducing SDS-PAGE sample buffer of 0.25 M Tris pH 6.8, 2% sodium dodecylsulfate, 5% 2-mercapto ethanol, 10% glycerol.

5. The method of claim 1 , wherein said HA is mutually cross-linked with at least one other polymer in a water insoluble covalently cross-linked gel.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein

the biocompatible material is biodegradable.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein said stable complex of TSG-6 and HA is capable of being released in a soluble form.