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| Hyaluronic Acid |
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Chinese Names:
͸Ã÷ÖÊËá
CAS Registry Number:
9004-61-9
Description:
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring biopolymer,
which serves important biological functions in bacteria and
higher animals including humans. Naturally occurring HA may
be found in the tissue of higher animals, in particular as
intercellular space filler. It is found in greatest concentrations
in the vitreous humour of the eye and in the synovial fluid
of articular joints. In gram positive streptococci it appears
as a mucoid capsule surrounding the bacterium.
Since its discovery in human tissue, HA and its derivatives
has been largely studied and applied in the biomedical arena.
The appeal of this polymer has been accentuated by its high
level of biocompatility. It has been used in viscosurgery
to allow surgeons to safely create space between tissues.
As a microcapsule it can be used for targeted drug delivery.
Viscosurgical implants are constructed from HA. Its viscoelastic
character has been used to supplement the lubrication in arthritic
joints. Finally, because of its high water retention capacity,
this EPS (extracellular polysaccharide) also occupies a niche
in the lucrative cosmetics market.
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