University Chemistry ›› 2026, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (3): 336-342.doi: 10.12461/PKU.DXHX202503114

Special Issue:

• Science Education • Previous Articles     Next Articles

“Best All-Rounder” Award: Celebrating Hyaluronic Acid’s Multifaceted Applications

Xing Guo1, RongXiu Zhu2   

  1. 1 College of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250102, China;
    2 School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China
  • Received:2025-03-26 Accepted:2025-05-21 Published:2026-03-24
  • Contact: RongXiu Zhu E-mail:rxzhu@sdu.edu.cn

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA), also known as hyaluronan, is an important biological macromolecule that was first isolated from the bovine vitreous humor by Professor Meyer and his team. As a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan, HA has earned its reputation as “best all-rounder” due to its unique biological functions and wide-ranging applications. Its contributions span medicine, cosmetics, and food industries. In medicine, it finds applications in joint care, ophthalmic surgery, and dermal fillers. In the cosmetics industry, HA is regarded as the “queen” of skincare owing to its exceptional moisturizing properties. In the food industry, its dual benefits for health and beauty have gained popularity. This article employs a “Best All-rounder” award ceremony concept to showcase HA's unique properties and contributions while revealing the chemical basis behind its versatility, offering readers insights into this multifunctional biomolecule's role in modern life.

Key words: Hyaluronic acid, Glycosaminoglycan, Multifunctional biomolecule