Hyaluronic acid oligosaccharide (HA-Oligo)

1. Brief introduction of HA；

• Hyaluronic acid (HA), a kind of mucopolysaccharide widely exists in the extra-cellular matrix (ECM)  of human and vertebrate tissues and the capsules of some streptococcus, has important physiological functions.
• Its chemical structure is a linear high molecular weight polysaccharide composed of repeating disaccharide units, with the molecular weight of 10 k ~ 4 million Dalton.
• Different names：Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronan.
• Structure of HA

The random coil configuration of linear HA molecule and the disaccharide unit

Each HA molecule is composed of 30~10000 disaccharide units

The mystery of the moisturizing effect

• At neutral pH value conditions, the electrostatic repulsion force generated by the carboxyl group of HA can enlarge the sizes of molecules. Such extended molecules occupy most space of the solution, which causes a very considerable viscosity even when the HA solution is of very low concentration. In aqueous solutions, HA forms a random coil and takes a large area, with water absorbed inside. This space filling property of HA is very important for organisms.

• In aqueous solutions, because of the repelling actions of the negative charges, the molecule chains are extended as far as possible. The molecules of HA repels with each other, and makes HA takes all the space of the solution.

Functions of HA

• A component of matrix: HA is major component of intercellular and extracellular matrix. It plays an important role in maintenance of normal structure and function of cells.

• Intelligent moisturizing effect：HA can adjust moisture according to relative environmental humidity.

• Lubrication：HA can help support joint function.

• Functions to cells：HA can influence migration, hyperplasia and differentiation of cells.

• Facilitating wound healing: HA can facilitate scar-free wound healing.

HA Production methods

• Extraction method：Human umbilical cord and cock’s comb are

major sources of HA production. This production method is limited

by animal amount and has high cost.

• Microbial fermentation method：The theory is some species of

Streptococcus strain produces out capsules with HA as most

contents during its growth and breeding.

• The HA supplied by Sunfull company is Microbial fermentation method

Classification of HA according to molecular weight and functions

• Above 1.8M Da.---High molecular weight HA

• 1.0-1.8M Da. ---Medium molecular weight HA

• Less than 1.0M Da. ---Low molecular weight HA

• Less than 10k Da. --- HA oligosaccharide (HA-Oligo)（less than 50 monosaccarides）

Application of high molecular weight HA

• Pharmaceutical area: Used as viscoelastic substance in ophthalmic surgery, articular injection and as prevention agent of postoperative adhesions based on its viscoelastic property.
• Cosmetics: moisturizing.