The term hyaluronan is attributed Endre Balazs, who coined it to encompass the different form the molecule can take for example the acid form, Hyaluronic acid and the salts such as sodium hyaluronate, which form at physiological pH.
Hyaluronic acid is a typical mucopolysaccharide. It is a naturally occurring substance found in the spaces between the cells of body tissues in all animals. Hyaluronic also known as hyaluronan.
Hyaluronic acid is widely distributed in mammalian cells and tissue but is primarily found in synovial fluid, vitreous humor of the eye and loose connective tissue such as rooster comb, umbilical cord, dermis and arterial wall. It is also found in the capsular component of certain bacterial such as Streptococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp.
Its name is derived from hyaloids (vitreous) and uronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a polyanionic natural polymer occurring as linear polysaccharide composed of glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine repeats via a β-1,4 linkage.
Glycosaminoglycans – hyaluronic acid family, can be found in almost all living organisms that have joints and connective tissue.
Large polymers of hyaluronic acid form mesh that enables it to bind a large amount of water. In loose connective tissue such as binding of tissue fluid forms a jellylike matrix filling the space between capillaries and cells.
Hyaluronic acid has a wide range of applications with its excellent physicochemical properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity, and non-immunogenicity and serves as an excellent tool in biomedical applications such as osteoarthritis surgery, ocular surgery, plastic surgery, tissue engineering, and drug delivery.
Physiologically, hyaluronic acid has a role in several process including angiogenesis, extra cellular matrix, homeostasis, wound healing and the mediation of long-term inflammation.
It plays a key role in cushioning and lubricating the body and is abundant in the eyes, joints, and heart valves.
Hyaluronic acid: Functions and applications
