Raw powder Hyaluronidase

Hyaluronidase More Info

Overview

Hyaluronidase is an enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid. It comprises a group of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates such as hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfates ， and is found in insects, leeches, snake venom, mammalian tissues (the testis being the richest mammalian source) ， and in bacteria.

The enzyme has the EC number 3.2.1.35 and CAS number 37326-33-3. It is also known by the alternative names hyaluronate 4-glycanohydrolase and hyaluronoglucosaminidase . Clinically, the product has been Launched.

Mechanism of Action

Hyaluronidase has a temporary and reversible depolymerizing action on the polysaccharide hyaluronic acid present in the intercellular matrix of connective tissue . It is a polysaccharidase that hydrolyzes hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate A and C ， breaking them down into tetrasaccharide residues . It randomly cleaves 1,4-linkages between 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-b-D-glucose and D-glucose residues in hyaluronate.

This makes the intercellular "cement" more permeable ， permitting rapid dispersal and absorption of substances, reduction of tissue tension, and rapid dispersal of extravascular fluid in joint and tissue damage . By catalyzing the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid, the enzyme lowers the viscosity of hyaluronic acid, thereby increasing tissue permeability . As such, hyaluronidases have been used as a spreading or dispersing agent in conjunction with other agents, drugs and proteins to enhance their dispersion and delivery .

Physicochemical Properties

The enzyme has a molecular weight of approximately 55–61 kDa, composed of a single polypeptide chain with 450 amino acid residues and four disulfide bonds ， and is glycosylated . It typically has a molecular weight of about 55 kDa, comprising four subunits each of about 14 kDa. The optimal pH range is 4.5–6.0 ， and it is soluble in water at 5 mg/mL . The product appears as a white or yellowish-white ， fluffy powder ， with an activity of not less than 300 Units per mg (dried basis) .

Sources and Grades

Hyaluronidase may be prepared from the testes and semen of mammals. Commercial products are commonly sourced from bovine testes. The product is provided as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, and formulations for specific applications may be provided in ready-to-use liquid form.

Different grades are available ：

Research-grade lyophilized powder ： for research use only

Pharmaceutical-grade product ： a sterile, dry, soluble enzyme product prepared from mammalian testes ， capable of hydrolyzing mucopolysaccharides of the type of hyaluronic acid

Specialized formulations ： e.g., an 80 IU/mL solution designed for removing cumulus cells from oocytes in assisted reproduction

Applications

Hyaluronidase has long been used to increase the absorption of drugs into tissue and to reduce tissue damage . It is widely utilized as a drug permeation enhancer ， promoting the absorption of medicines and aiding the dispersal of localized swelling or effusions ， and promoting recovery after surgery or trauma.

It has also been utilized in ophthalmic surgery. The enzyme is often used in conjunction with other proteases such as collagenase for the separation of living cells in tissues.

Storage and Handling

Storage conditions vary depending on the product form and supplier ：

Lyophilized powder ： store at -20°C ， stable for 12 months ； up to two years per some suppliers

Ready-to-use liquid formulation ： store at 2-8°C with a 12-month shelf life