Amorphous powders and films of some metal hyaluronate complexes of general composition (C14H20O11N)(2)center dot xH(2)O (M = Mn2+, Ni2+ and Co2+) have been prepared at pH 5.5-6.0. The coordination geometry around the metal ions has been analyzed)y EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) and FTIR spectroscopy. Mn2+, Ni2+, and Co2+ ions are coordinated to carboxylate oxygen atoms and water molecules. The process of local geometry formation round the metal ions is sensitive to sample preparation. 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.