Definition | Characteristics |
---|---|
Hyaluronan (hyaluronic acid) or sodium hyaluronate | Long, nonsulfated, straight chains of variable length |
 | Repeating disaccharide unit of N-acetylglucosamine and glucuronic acid |
 | Forms a randomized coil in physiological solvents |
 | Average MW 4–5 million Da |
Hylans | Crosslinked hyaluronan chains in which the carboxylic and N-acetyl groups are unaffected |
 | MW of Hylan A is 6 million Da |
 | Can be water-insoluble as a gel (e.g. hylan B) or membrane bound |