Hyaluronan 101: An Overview

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance present in the human body. It retains moisture. It is found in the skin, joints and eyes. It acts as a lubricant and a cushion in tissues. Its capacity to hold water supports healthy skin and proper joint function.

Nomenclature

Hyaluronic acid is also known as hyaluronan. Both terms refer to the same molecule. The term hyaluronan is used to clarify its chemical structure. Medical and cosmetic practitioners may use either name. The choice depends on context and tradition.

Structure of Hyaluronic Acid

The molecular structure of hyaluronic acid consists of repeating units of two monosaccharides. These sugars are glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. The sugar units form long, linear chains. The chain length results in a high molecular weight. This structure enables water retention and creates a viscous solution.

Chemistry and Physical Properties of Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid belongs to the glycosaminoglycan family. Its chemical structure is straightforward and effective. The molecule is long and flexible. It carries numerous negative charges that attract water. For example, 1 gram of hyaluronan can bind up to 6 litres of water. This property is the reason for its use in skin care and joint treatments. The substance is viscous and its form varies from a thin solution to a thick gel based on concentration and molecular weight.

Further reading: Hyaluronic Acid: Types, Uses, and Health Benefits

Biological Roles

Hyaluronic acid contributes to skin hydration and structure. It serves as a shock absorber in joints. It provides lubrication in the eyes. In the skin, it supports cell regeneration and repair. During wound healing, hyaluronan is involved in the formation of new tissue. It also functions as a signalling molecule in inflammation and tissue repair. The body degrades hyaluronan using specific hyaluronidase enzymes. The resulting fragments may have distinct biological activities. This degradation process ensures that old molecules are replaced by new ones.

Hyaluronan Synthesis

Hyaluronan is synthesised within cells at the inner surface of the cell membrane. Specific enzymes add sugar units one after another. The process is controlled and determines the final chain length. After synthesis, the molecule is secreted into the extracellular space where it retains water.

Industrial production is used to meet demand in biomedical, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. These production methods include:

• Microbial fermentation using genetically engineered strains of Streptococcus zooepidemicus or Bacillus subtilis. This method produces hyaluronan at scale with high purity.
• Recombinant expression systems that use modified yeast or bacterial hosts with inserted HAS genes. This method produces hyaluronan under controlled bioprocess conditions.
• Enzymatic synthesis using purified HAS enzymes in vitro. This method provides precise control over molecular weight and reduces contamination risks.
• Tissue extraction methods that isolate hyaluronan from animal tissues such as rooster combs or bovine vitreous humour. This method is less common today.

These production routes enable adjustment of molecular weight, viscosity and purity. They are used for applications such as injectable dermal fillers, ophthalmic solutions, joint supplements and wound dressings.

Related Products

Many products contain hyaluronan today. Skin care products such as creams and serums include it to support hydration. Injections containing hyaluronan are used to relieve joint pain in cases of arthritis. Ophthalmic preparations include hyaluronan for its lubricating properties. Wound care products use it to accelerate healing. Its properties have led to widespread use in medical and cosmetic fields.

Conclusion

Hyaluronan is a molecule with several measurable effects. Its capacity to retain water makes it useful for skin hydration, joint function and tissue repair. Its use in scientific research is well documented. It remains a trusted ingredient in many applications. Its simple structure supports significant biological functions.

Frequently Asked Questions

F: What role does hyaluronan play in the skin?
Q: It retains moisture and supports skin elasticity and repair.

F: How is hyaluronan produced in the body?
Q: It is synthesised at the inner surface of cell membranes by specific enzymes.

F: Can hyaluronan be used in joint treatments?
Q: Yes, it is used in injections to relieve joint pain and improve lubrication.