Producing
Hyaluronic acid
Producing Hyaluronic acid
Kewpie studies and produces Hyaluronic acid using two methods: microbial fermentation and extraction from Chicken comb.
Starting with research and development of Hyaluronic acid in 1983, Kewpie has since completed many R&D projects. Kewpie therefore has the technology to control the molecular weight of Hyaluronic acid and produce Hyaluronic acid as appropriate to customer's needs.
The Structure of Hyaluronic acid
The Structure of Hyaluronic acid
Characteristics of Hyaluronic acid
Characteristics of Hyaluronic acid
- 1. Hyaluronic acid is present in most organs and connective tissues in the body.
- 2. Metabolism in the body is very fast, with a half-life in tissue of 0.5 to 1.5 days.
- 3. The greater the molecular weight of Hyaluronic acid, the greater the viscosity of water solution.
- 4. The theoretical capacity of Hyaluronic acid to retain moisture is said to be between two and six liters per gram.
- 5. Viscosity changes with pH.
- 6. Hyaluronic acid is disassembled and viscosity declines when treated with acid, or with a reducing agent in the presence of metallic ions.
- 7. Hyaluronic acid purified to high purity is a tasteless, odorless white powder, the water solution of which is also colorless and clear.
Functions of Hyaluronic acid
Functions of Hyaluronic acid
- 1. Hyaluronic acid is able to retain moisture in extra-cellular matrixes formed in the gaps between cells.
- 2. Hyaluronic acid functions to heal wounds by forming the granulation tissue necessary for repairing wounded tissue.
- 3. Hyaluronic acid exists in synovial fluid and functions as a lubricant to reduce friction resistance between articular cartilages.
- 4. In addition, Hyaluronic acid functions to encourage cell proliferation, cell differentiation, anti-inflammation and immunosuppression.
Safety of
Hyaluronic acid
Safety of Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is used as a raw material for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products, and its safety has been confirmed in multiple ways. Food grade Hyaluronic acid has been approved for use as an existing additive and a literature review of its safety was conducted as research subsidized by grants from the Ministry of Health and Welfare in fiscal 1996.
Kewpie assures the safety of Hyaluronic acid produced by both methods of extraction from Chicken comb and microbial fermentation through our quality assurance system developed in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.
Raw materials management
- ・ For Chicken combs, Kewpie uses Chicken combs from chickens that have passed food standards (inspections in accordance with Clause 15 of the Poultry Slaughtering Business Control and Poultry Meat Inspection Act).
- ・ The production bacillus used in the fermentation method is Streptococcus zooepidemicus, listed in basic principles, manufacturing methods, and characteristics under “Food additive —Hyaluronic acid .”
Process management
- ・ There is a heat pasteurization process for Chicken combs and production bacilli.
- ・ There is a filtering process and a purification process that uses ethanol to remove impurities inherent in the raw materials.
Acquisition safety
- ・ Acute oral toxicity test (LD50)—more than 10 g/kg (mice, rats)
- ・ 28 day repeated dose oral toxicity test—3,400 mg/kg/day (rats)
→acceptable daily intake for humans (ADI)—34 mg/kg/day
- ・ Mutagenicity test (Ames test)—negative
- ・ Human patch test—negative
- ・ Skin sensitization test—negative
- ・ Hemolysis—negative
Age-related changes in amounts of Hyaluronic acid
Age-related changes in amounts of Hyaluronic acid