Chemistry And Biology Of Hyaluronan

It was probably the French chemist Portes, who first reported in 1880 that the mucin in the vitreous body, which he named hyalomucine, behaved differently from other mucoids in cornea and cartilage. Fifty four years later Karl Meyer isolated a new polysaccharide from the vitreous, which he named hyaluronic acid. Today its official name is hyaluronan, and modern-day research on this polysaccharide continues to grow. Expertly written by leading scientists in the field, this book provides readers with a broad, yet detailed review of the chemistry of hyaluronan, and the role it plays in human biology and pathology. Twenty-seven chapters present a sequence leading from the chemistry and biochemistry of hyaluronan, followed by its role in various pathological conditions, to modified hylauronans as potential therapeutic agents and finally to the functional, structural and biological properties of hyaluronidases. Chemistry and Biology of Hyaluronan covers the many interesting facets of this fascinating molecule, and all chapters are intended to reach the wider research community. Comprehensive look at the chemistry and biology of hyaluronans Essential to Chemists, Biochemists and Medical researchers Broad yet detailed review of this rapidly growing research area

Hyaluronic acid is an essential part of connective, epithelial and neural tissues, and contributes to cell proliferation and migration. It is used as a stimulating agent for collagen synthesis and is a common ingredient in skin-care products, a multi-billion dollar industry, as it is believed to be a key factor in fighting the aging process. Hyaluronic Acid: Production, Properties, Application in Biology and Medicine consists of six chapters discussing the various issues of hyaluronic acid research. In Chapter 1, a historical analysis recounts the discovery and milestones of the research leading to the practical applications of hyaluronan. Chapter 2 is dedicated to biological role of the hyaluronic acid in nature, in particular in the human body. The chapter starts from the phylogenesis of hyaluronic acid, then describes hyaluronan functions in human ontogenesis and especially the role which hyaluronan plays in extracellular matrix of the different tissues. Chapter 3 describes the methods to manufacture and purify hyaluronic acid, including the analytical means for assessing quality of the finished product. Chapter 4 discusses the structure and rheological properties of hyaluronic acid considering effects on conformation and biological properties related to molecular weight. In Chapter 5, the physical and chemical methods for modifying the structure of hyaluronan are discussed including cross-linking using bi-functional reagents, solid-phase modification and effects of the combined action of high pressures and shift deformation. The final chapter focuses on the products derived from hyaluronic acid, including therapeutics composed of modified hyaluronan conjugated to vitamins, amino acids and oligo-peptides. The biological roles and medical applications of this polysaccharide have been extensively studied and this book provides a wealth of scientific data demonstrating the critical role of hyaluronic acid and its promise as a multifaceted bio-macromolecule. Approaching hyaluronic acid from multiple angles, this book links relationships between its biological functions, structure and physical–chemical properties. It will be an invaluable resource to researchers, both industrial and academic, involved in all aspects of hyaluronan-based technologies.

The aim of this book is to collect within one volume information on hyaluronan. This polysaccharide has received rapid attention for two reasons: it has important regulative functions within cell biology; and it has become a commercially important product because of its use in ophthalmic surgery and treatment of joint diease. A number of other practical applications are also discussed. The book covers various aspects of hyaluronan from the structure and chemistry of the polymer to its metabolism, cell biological interactions, behaviour in pathological processes, and potentially new medical applications.

Presents state-of-the-art applications in hyaluronan research, from hyaluronan's physicochemical properties to its clinical role as a connective tissue marker and its surgical implications, particularly in ear, eye and orthopaedic surgery. Covers hyaluronan's synthesis and catabolism, its role in cells, its interactions with specific binding proteins, and its role in the embryonic nervous system.

Hyaluronan and its derivatives has developed very quickly in the last few years from a scientific novelty into an important new material for a diverse range of medical and biomaterial applications. This landmark conference focused on developments and applications in the use of hyaluronan in tissue repair and reconstruction, drug delivery systems, anti-cancer treatments and joint recovery and engineering. The entire range of hyaluronan progress is covered in depth by the more than 135 individual papers: Analytical chemistry Structural elucidation and basic chemistry Electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy Production, purification and characterisation Quality in production systems Chemical modification Derivatives and properties Cross-linking Free radical modification Physical characterisation Rheology Aggregation phenomena Interaction with water and solution properties Cell biology Control and regulation of HA synthases Cell surface chemistry HA cell receptors and cell signalling Interaction with proteins and other biological ligands Biophysical aspects Effects on pain receptors Neurobiology Role in organisation of extracellular matrix Role in development (embryogenesis): cell movement/migration Medical applications Uses in cartilage and wound repair Inflammation Wound regenerative healing Surgery and tissue engineering Viscosupplementation / osteoarthritis Viscoaugmentation and viscoprotection Anti-adhesion applications Brug delivery systems Binding onto tumour cells and metastases Outlines the proceedings of the landmark conference which focused on key developments and applications in the use of hyaluronan in tissue repair and reconstruction, among other uses The entire range of hyaluronan processes is dealt with in depth by more than 135 individual papers presented in two volumes Covers analytical chemistry, chemical modification, physical characterisation, cell biology and medical applications

Advances in Cancer Research provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. Here, once again, outstanding and original reviews are presented on a variety of topics. This volume covers hyaluronan signaling and turnover. Provides information on cancer research Outstanding and original reviews Suitable for researchers and students

"Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, is a water soluble, anionic extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan polymer with variable molecular weight that determines its physiological role, rheological properties and applications. Since its discovery in the early 1930s, there has been an increased awareness concerning the biology of hyaluronic acid, its signaling pathways and its role in the biomedical and cosmeceutical industry. Being an endogenous molecule, hyaluronic acid is biocompatible, biodegradable, and has strong mucoadhesive, viscoelastic properties. The authors provide chemical modification approaches to hyaluronic acid, as well as address the magnitude of applications of hyaluronic acid-based targeted drug vectors and patents. The closing study discusses glycosaminoglycans, a specialized group of unbranched, anionic disaccharide polymers attached by a covalent linkage to the membrane proteins via sulphate groups in their sugar moieties"--

The chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology of heparin and heparan sulfate have been and continue to be a major scientific undertaking - heparin and its derivative remain important drugs in clinical practice. Chemistry and Biology of Heparin and Heparan Sulfate provides readers with an insight into the chemistry, biology and clinical applications of heparin and heparan sulfate and examines their function in various physiological and pathological conditions. Providing a wealth of useful information, no other tome covers the diversity of topics in the field. Students, doctors, chemists, biochemists, and research scientists will find this book an invaluable source for updating their current knowledge of developments in this area. Comprehensively reviews all aspects of heparin and heparan sulfate research Uniquely describes the chemistry, biology and clinical application of heparins and heparan sulfates in one work Provides an invaluable source of knowledge of current developments for chemists, biochemists, medical doctors, researchers, students and practitioners