Glycosaminoglycans (formerly called mucopolysaccharides, amino polysaccharides and acidic polysaccharides) in the structure of the simplest kind, it is by repeating disaccharide units
GlcUA-β (1 → 3) -GlcNAc, with β-1,4 glycosidic linkage formed. In the body, often in free form or covalently (proteoglycan complexes) in the form of complexes present.
The surface of the molecule contains many hydrophilic groups, can draw their physical 1,000 to 10,000 times the volume of water, keeping the moisture of loose connective tissue is important; while the viscosity of the HA has a strong, and the joints with a vitreous Run wet and protection; well promote wound healing.
HA is present in the extracellular matrix of connective tissue of animals. Among them, the bovine vitreous, human umbilical cord and rooster combs are commonly used material extracted HA. HA is widely used in cosmetics, artificial joints, surgical lubricants and other products. United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2003 through the use of injection patches of skin wrinkles.
