Flow field-flow fractionation and multiangle light scattering for ultrahigh molecular weight sodium hyaluronate characterization

This review describes the utility of flow field-flow fractionation coupled with multiangle light scattering and differential refractive index (FlFFF-MALS-DRI) detection methods for the separation of ultrahigh molecular weight sodium hyaluronate (NaHA) materials and for the characterization of molecular weight distribution as well as structural determination. The sodium salt of hyaluronic acid (HA), NaHA, is a water-soluble polysaccharide with a broad range of molecular weights (10(5)-10(8)) found in various naturally occurring fluids and tissues. Basic principles of FlFFF-MALS using field programming for the separation of the degraded products of NaHA prepared by treating raw materials with depolymerization or degradation processes such as membrane filtration, enzymatic degradation, ultrasonic degradation, alkaline reaction, irradiation by gamma-rays, and thermal treatment for the development of pharmaceutical applications are introduced. Changes in molecular weight distribution and conformation of NaHA materials due to external stimuli are also discussed.