Basic information of Hyaluronan:

(1)CAS No.:;
(2)ChemSpider: 2341172;
(3)UNII: S270N0TRQY;
(4)Molecular formula: (C14H21NO₁₁)_n;
(5)Solubility in water: soluble (sodium salt).
(6)Synonyms: .

Hyaluronan (also called hyaluronic acid or hyaluronate) is an anionic, nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan distributed widely throughout connective, epithelial, and neural tissues. Hyaluronic acid is also a component of the group A streptococcal extracellular capsule, and is believed to play a role in virulence. Hyaluronan is an important component of articular cartilage, where it is present as a coat around each cell (chondrocyte). It is also a major component of skin, where it is involved in tissue repair. Hyaluronan degradation products also accumulate in the skin after UV exposure.

The first hyaluronan biomedical product, Healon, was developed in the 1970s and 1980s by Pharmacia, and is approved for use in eye surgery. Hyaluronan is also used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Hyaluronan may also be used postoperatively to induce tissue healing, notably after cataract surgery. Hyaluronan has also been used in the synthesis of biological scaffolds for wound-healing applications. Hyaluronan is also used in anti-adhesive products such as Hyalobarrier, widely used in pelvic and abdominal surgery to prevent postoperative adhesions.

Hyaluronan is a common ingredient in skin-care products. Hyaluronan is used in treatment of articular disorders in horses, in particular those in competition or heavy work.