By Lizzie Brooks | Updated Mar 24, 2022
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a naturally occurring mucopolysaccharide that plays a crucial role in human connective tissue, acting as a lubricant, shock absorber, and scaffold for cell signaling. It is abundant in synovial fluid, which cushions joints, and in the aqueous humor of the eye, where it maintains intraocular pressure and optical clarity.
Within the body, hyaluronic acid is synthesized by the enzyme hyaluronic acid synthase (HAS). HAS catalyzes the condensation of the monosaccharides D‑glucuronic acid and N‑acetylglucosamine into the high‑molecular‑weight polymer that constitutes HA. This biosynthetic pathway occurs in a variety of tissues—including skin, cartilage, and brain—ensuring that HA is continuously replenished to support tissue hydration and elasticity.
For consumers seeking HA outside the body, the compound is available as a dietary supplement. Natural HA is extracted directly from animal tissues without chemical modification. Common sources include rooster combs, where HA concentrations are exceptionally high, and the aqueous humor of bovine eyes. Because no additional synthesis steps are involved, these extracts retain the polymer’s native structure and bioactivity.
Modern manufacturing also employs microbial fermentation to produce HA. Certain strains of Streptococcus bacteria are engineered to express the HAS enzyme, allowing them to produce HA from simple carbohydrate feedstocks. The resulting polymer is purified and can be tailored for specific molecular weights, making it suitable for medical applications such as dermal fillers, viscosupplementation, and drug delivery systems.
Whether produced naturally, extracted from animal tissues, or grown in a bioreactor, hyaluronic acid remains a cornerstone of regenerative medicine and skincare, thanks to its unparalleled ability to bind water and support cellular function.
