Hyaluronic acid (HA) or hyaluronan (its form in the body) is a gel-like mucopolysaccharide biopolymer found in extracellular tissues. It is a natural component of the human body, located in the extracellular matrix of connective, neural, and epithelial tissues, as well as in the skin, cartilage, joint (synovial), and ocular fluids. HA has numerous biological functions, such as maintaining the viscosity of connective tissues like joint synovial and vitreous humor, tissue hydration, and the supramolecular assembly of proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix. Additionally, it facilitates movement by providing lubrication between joints and muscles and prevents osteoarthritis. The molecular weight of HA affects its biological functions. High molecular weight HA (500 kDa and above) is used for anti-angiogenic, immunosuppressive, and filler applications. Low molecular weight HA (200 kDa and below) exhibits inflammatory, immunostimulatory, and angiogenic properties. 

Due to its viscoelastic structure, hyaluronic acid has a significantly higher water storage and binding capacity compared to other polymers. It plays a vital role in cell proliferation, spreading, and enhancing collagen synthesis. The amount of hyaluronic acid in the body decreases with age, leading to wrinkles in the skin. It directly affects skin elasticity and joint function. The unique rheological properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of HA make it widely preferred in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications such as medical implants and drug delivery.

APPLICATION AREAS OF HYALURONIC ACID 

It is used in surgery and wound healing, dermatology, aesthetics and clinical medicine, osteoarthritis treatment, cancer studies, and as a carrier for DNA molecules.

• Use in aesthetics:

Hyaluronic acid is used to create a plumping effect. Dermatologists inject hyaluronic acid-based fillers to provide a firm appearance to the skin. Botox and filler applications are commonly used in aesthetic surgeries.

• Use in osteoarthritis treatment:

Hyaluronic acid products are used in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common orthopedic disorders in the geriatric population. The hyaluronic acid segment is expected to witness significant market growth in the near future due to its cost-effective and beneficial solution for pain relief.

• Pharmaceutical:

   

  As an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), hyaluronic acid is used to treat various joint disorders. The increasing prevalence of diseases and the growing geriatric population are expected to drive demand for pharmaceutical APIs during the forecast period. According to the United Nations, the geriatric population is observed to increase significantly in countries like Italy, the USA, Japan, Germany, and Portugal.

• Cosmetics:

Hyaluronic acid provides significant skin benefits such as reducing the appearance of fine lines, relieving dry skin, wrinkles, redness, and dermatitis. It is widely used in personal care and cosmetic products such as face creams, masks, serums, and moisturizers. Changing social preferences towards appearance and personality have driven a year-on-year increase in demand for HA to achieve healthy and radiant skin.

• Dietary supplements:

Hyaluronic acid helps prevent age-related health problems. The standard hyaluronic acid level required in the human body decreases with age, increasing the need for hyaluronic acid in dietary supplements. It is frequently used in animal dietary supplements, especially for horses, to treat knee osteoarthritis. Research on oral hyaluronic acid supplements for dogs is also ongoing.

• Ophthalmology:

Hyaluronic acid is used in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, as well as in surgeries. It is available in the form of face cream, eye drops, and serum. It helps alleviate dry eyes. Naturally found in the skin, eyes, and joints, it acts as a lubricant for joints and a moisturizer for the eyes.