Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid Sodium) CAS 9067-32-7

Introduction to Sodium Hyaluronate

Sodium Hyaluronate is a high-molecular-weight polyanionic polysaccharide composed of repeating disaccharide units of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Produced primarily via streptococcal fermentation, it forms highly viscous, non-Newtonian aqueous solutions that provide superior lubrication, tissue scaffolding, and moisture retention. Cosmetic formulators and medical device manufacturers rely on it to engineer everything from surface-hydrating serums to surgical viscoelastics.

The primary processing advantage is its precise molecular weight tunability. High Molecular Weight (HMW, >1,000 kDa) forms breathable, moisture-locking films on the skin, while Low Molecular Weight (LMW, <50 kDa) penetrates the stratum corneum for deep dermal repair. The critical storage risk is severe hygroscopicity: once exposed to humid air, the powder rapidly clumps and degrades, losing its rheological properties. Store drums in a climate-controlled warehouse below 25 °C (77 °F) and reseal the PE liner immediately after scooping.

Key Features of Sodium Hyaluronate

• Exceptional water retention. The dense network of carboxyl and hydroxyl groups binds up to 1,000 times its weight in water, creating a continuous hydration reservoir in topical and injectable formulations.
• Tunable viscoelasticity. HMW grades exhibit high zero-shear viscosity and pseudoplasticity, providing excellent shock absorption for joint injections and space maintenance in eye surgery.
• Transdermal penetration (LMW). Oligo-hyaluronic acid (<10 kDa) bypasses the skin barrier to stimulate endogenous collagen synthesis and accelerate wound healing.
• High biocompatibility. As an endogenous human tissue component, it is non-immunogenic, non-toxic, and fully biodegradable via hyaluronidase enzymes.

Sodium Hyaluronate Chemical & Physical Properties

Applications of Sodium Hyaluronate

Skincare and cosmetics: Blended at 0.05–0.50% in serums, creams, and hydrogels. HMW grades form a breathable viscoelastic film on the epidermis to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL), while LMW grades penetrate to hydrate the dermis and reduce fine lines.

Medical and ophthalmic devices: Used as a 1.0–2.0% viscoelastic solution in cataract surgery to protect corneal endothelium and maintain the anterior chamber. Formulated as intra-articular injections (10–20 mg/mL) to lubricate osteoarthritic joints and absorb mechanical shock.

Food and nutraceuticals: Dosed at 100–200 mg per serving in oral supplements and functional beverages. Clinical data supports its systemic absorption to improve skin moisture and alleviate joint discomfort from within.

Storage & Safety Precautions for Sodium Hyaluronate

• Storage: Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dry warehouse below 25 °C (77 °F). The powder is extremely hygroscopic; an opened drum left in humid conditions will absorb moisture, clump severely, and suffer microbial contamination. Stack pallets away from exterior walls and use desiccants.
• Safety: Classified as non-hazardous. Wear standard dust masks and safety goggles when handling dry powder, as fine dust can cause mild respiratory and eye irritation. Wash skin with water after contact.
• Transport: Sodium Hyaluronate is Non-DG under IATA/IMDG/ADR. Not a marine pollutant. Standard 25 kg (55 lb) drums ship in standard dry containers.
• QC note: Verify intrinsic viscosity and molecular weight distribution via Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC/SEC) upon receipt. A drop in solution transparency or uncharacteristic odor indicates microbial degradation or improper drying—reject such lots.

Sodium Hyaluronate FAQ

Q: How do I choose between High and Low Molecular Weight (HMW vs. LMW)?

A: Use HMW (>1,000 kDa) for surface film-forming, lubrication, and thickening (e.g., eye drops, joint injections, topical barrier creams). Use LMW (<50 kDa) or Oligo-HA for deep skin penetration, cellular signaling, and anti-aging serums.

Q: My aqueous solution lost viscosity after a few days. What happened?

A: HA solutions are highly susceptible to microbial contamination and shear/thermal degradation. Always add a broad-spectrum preservative (e.g., phenoxyethanol) to aqueous formulations, avoid high-shear mixing, and do not heat above 60 °C (140 °F).

Q: Is your Sodium Hyaluronate vegan and non-animal derived?

A: Yes. Our product is produced via modern bacterial fermentation (Streptococcus equi) using plant-derived glucose, completely eliminating the risk of animal-source pathogens (e.g., avian flu, BSE) associated with traditional rooster comb extraction.