What is the Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate

The main difference between hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate is that the most common source of hyaluronic acid is the vitreous humor whereas the main source of chondroitin sulfate is the cartilage.

Hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate are two types of valuable bioactive polysaccharides. Both are glycosaminoglycans important in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Hyaluronic Acid
     – Definition, Structure, Function
2. What is Chondroitin Sulfate
     – Definition, Structure, Function
3. Similarities – Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Chondroitin Sulfate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronan, Hyaluronate, Hyaluronate 

What is Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is an anionic non-sulfate glycosaminoglycan. The molecular formula of hyaluronic acid is (C₁₄H₂₁NO₁₁)_n. Hyaluronan, hyaluronate, and hyaluronate are the other names for hyaluronic acid. Moreover, there are three types of hyaluronic acids of different natures: hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, and sodium acetylated hyaluronate. Hyaluronic acid naturally occurs within the body of humans. It is present, especially within the eyes, joints, skin, and connective tissues. It also occurs within the human embryo.

Furthermore, hyaluronic acid is a very slippery substance. It is a polymer, meaning it contains large chains of monomer molecules combined. This large chain has certain spots to which carbon molecules and other molecules attach. For example, one-quarter teaspoon of hyaluronic acid can absorb and holds about half a gallon of water. Therefore, we consider it one of the best polymers to absorb water.

Figure 1: Hyaluronic Acid

Since there are many spaces in the hyaluronic acid molecule for the other molecules to attach, hyaluronic acid also acts as a good material for transporting certain substances. Several molecules are transported throughout the body by hyaluronic acid. It also attaches itself to the cells; this feature in hyaluronic acid helps in the target delivery of medications. Moreover, hyaluronic acid also acts as a scaffolding structure, which allows tissues to grow. This is how wounds heal in the body.

What is Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan composed of chains of alternative sugars, acetylgalactosamine, and glucuronic acid. In fact, the linear polymer of chondroitin sulfate can contain over 100 sugars. All sugars in the polymer are sulfated in different proportions. The chemical formula of chondroitin sulfate is C₁₃H₂₁NO₁₅S. Generally, chondroitin sulfate occurs as proteoglycans attached to a protein.

Figure 2: Chondroitin Sulfate

Moreover, chondroitin sulfate is an important structural component of cartilage. The main function of chondroitin sulfate is to resist compression. Additionally, chondroitin sulfate is a dietary supplement for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Chondroitin sulfate is commonly sold with glycosaminoglycan, and they are symptomatic slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis. Chondroitin is also a promising treatment for Coronary artery disease.

Similarities Between Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate

• Hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate are two types of bioactive polysaccharides.
• They are glycosaminoglycans and are long linear polysaccharides.
• Both are important in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications.

Difference Between Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate

Definition

Hyaluronic acid refers to a polysaccharide molecule, which is one of the chief components of connective tissue, forming a gelatinous matrix that surrounds cells, while chondroitin sulfate refers to a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composed of a chain of alternating sugars (N-acetylgalactosamine and glucuronic acid).

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of hyaluronic acid is (C₁₄H₂₁NO₁₁)_n, while the chemical formula of chondroitin sulfate is C₁₃H₂₁NO₁₅S.

Common Source

The most common source of hyaluronic acid is vitreous humor, while the main source of chondroitin sulfate is cartilage.

Synthesis

The synthesis of hyaluronic acid occurs in integral membrane syntheses, while the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate occurs in the Golgi apparatus.

Sulfate

Hyaluronic acid is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan, while chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan.

Conclusion

In brief, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate are two types of glycosaminoglycans. They are long, linear polysaccharides. Generally, hyaluronic acid is synthesized in the integral membrane syntheses. In addition, the most common source of hyaluronic acid is vitreous humor. In comparison, chondroitin sulfate is synthesized in the Golgi apparatus. The main source of chondroitin sulfate is cartilage. Meanwhile, hyaluronic acid is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan, while chondroitin sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan. Therefore, the main difference between hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate is their source.

References:

1. “Hyaluronic acid and Chondroitin sulfate from marine and terrestrial sources: Extraction and purification methods.” ScienceDirect. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Hyaluronan” By Vaccinationist – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Chondroitin Sulfate Structure NTP” By Prithason at English Wikipedia – Own Work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia