The present invention relates to methodology for polymer grafting by a
polysaccharide synthase and, more particularly, polymer grafting using
the hyaluronate synthase from Pasteurella multocida. The present
invention also relates to coatings for biomaterials wherein the coatings
provide protective properties to the biomaterial and/or act as a
bioadhesive. Such coatings could be applied to electrical devices,
sensors, catheters and any device which may be contemplated for use
within a mammal. The present invention further relates to drug delivery
matrices which are biocompatible and may comprise combinations of a
biomaterial or a bioadhesive and a medicament or a medicament-containing
liposome. The biomaterial and/or bioadhesive is a hyaluronic acid polymer
produced by a hyaluronate synthase from Pasteurella multocida. The
present invention also relates to the creation of chimeric molecules
containing hyaluronic acid or hyaluronic acid-like chains attached to
various compounds and especially carbohydrates or hydroxyl containing
substances. The present invention also relates to a chondroitan synthase
from Pasteurella multocida which is capable of producing polysaccharide
polymers on an acceptor or primer molecule.