Understanding the Two Methods: Animal Extraction and Bacterial Fermentation

On the market, the production methods for hyaluronic acid can be divided into two categories: animal extraction and bacterial fermentation.

–Animal Extraction

As the name suggests, the animal extraction method involves extracting hyaluronic acid from animal tissues. Common sources include rooster combs, bovine vitreous humor, and fish skin, which are rich in natural hyaluronic acid.

Process:

• Processing and grinding the animal tissue.
• Extracting the hyaluronan through chemical treatment or enzymatic hydrolysis.
• Purifying the hyaluronic acid using methods like precipitation, centrifugation, and filtration.
• Drying and powdering the purified hyaluronic acid.

–Bacterial Fermentation

This method uses certain microorganisms to secrete a capsule during growth, and the main component of that capsule is hyaluronic acid. The fermentation process involves feeding the microorganisms nutrients like sugars and amino acids. Common bacteria used are streptococci and lactic acid bacteria.

Process:

• Selecting suitable strains of bacteria (e.g., streptococci).
• Cultivating the bacteria in fermentation tanks, where they produce hyaluronic acid.
• After fermentation, the mixture is filtered, precipitated, and ultra-filtered.
• The hyaluronic acid is then purified and dried into powder form.

Fig 1. Sodium Hyaluronate Powder

Comparing the Two Methods: Animal Extraction vs. Bacterial Fermentation

When comparing two processes, we cannot avoid the issues of raw materials, processes, costs, product quality, safety, etc. We will also compare these aspects.

1. Raw Materials

Animal extraction relies on material supplied by animals, and its resources are limited besides raising ethical issues. On the contrary, bacterial fermentation deals with renewable plant-based or synthetic nutrients in a controlled process, hence sustainable.

2. Process Characteristics:

Animal extraction involves the manipulation of biological materials that require high chemical usage. The extraction efficiency is low. Fermentation of bacteria is fully automated and controllable; optimized conditions raise the yield of production.

3. Cost

The extraction from animals is more expensive because the used animal tissues are not very much available, and there is a huge usage of chemicals involved. Handling animal tissues involves more labor and equipment costs due to their complexity.

Bacterial fermentation, on the one hand, is less expensive and suitable for large-scale production; to further reduce costs, the fermentation can be carried out on a batch or continuous basis, with raw materials required like sugars and water being low in price.

4. Product Quality and Safety:

Animal extraction uses animal tissues. The possibility, therefore, exists for contamination by the likes of pathogens like bacteria, viruses, or prions, and allergens. Strict safety testing is thus mandatory for all medical and cosmetic applications.

Hyaluronan produced by bacterial fermentation, on the other hand, has higher purity. By mimicking the optimum fermentation conditions with great care, and purifying it further, the risk of contamination can be reduced much further, thus being safer. This methodology produces hyaluronic acid-free of all animal components, appropriate for vegetarians and those forbearing animal products.

5. Control of Molecular Weight

The procedure for the extraction of hyaluronic acid from animals does complicate the complete control over molecular weight, which is usually higher. This, in turn, makes it more applicable for products that require high viscosity, such as lubricants or mucosal protectors.

Due to bacterial fermentation, better control of molecular weight through adjustments in the steps of fermentation and processing is possible. This flexibility enables various molecular weights for hyaluronic acid to be produced, allowing different applications.

Conclusion

• Animal Extraction: The extraction process is complex, with high costs, low yields, and inconsistent quality. It also poses a risk of contamination from animal sources, making it more suited for small-scale, high-end medical or specialized applications.
• Bacterial Fermentation: This method offers high production efficiency, lower costs, and high product purity. It allows for better control over molecular weight and is ideal for large-scale industrial production. As a result, it is the primary method used for modern hyaluronic acid production.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the common uses of Hyaluronan?

Hyaluronan powder is commonly used in cosmetics for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, in eye drops to provide lubrication, in joint injections to relieve arthritis pain, and as a food additive to enhance texture and moisture.

2. What is the minimum order quantity for hyaluronic acid powder bulk?

SCC offers hyaluronic acid powder in various quantities to meet different customer needs. Whether you’re looking to purchase small bottles or require hyaluronic acid powder in bulk, such as large containers suitable for industrial use, we can accommodate your order.

3. Is Hyaluronan powder safe for use in skincare products?

Yes, Hyaluronan powder is safe for use in skincare products when used as directed. It is a naturally occurring substance in the human body and is well-tolerated by most skin types.

4. How should Hyaluronan powder be stored to maintain its effectiveness?

To preserve the quality and effectiveness of Hyaluronan powder, it should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Ideally, keep the powder in its original airtight container and tightly sealed when not in use.

Stanford Chemicals Company (SCC) is a professional supplier of hyaluronic acid. SCC offers high-purity, high-quality, and safe sodium hyaluronate powder (including food-grade, cosmetic-grade, medical-grade, and injectable-grade). All of SCC’s hyaluronic acid products are made using the bacterial fermentation method, ensuring safety and reliability.

The following figure shows the production process of sodium hyaluronate powder:

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Hyaluronic acid (HA, or (C14H21NO11) n) is highly hydrating, and it is widely used in the cosmetic industry. It is a polymer of sugar commonly found in human skin, eyes, and joints. All these HA inside keep your body moist, soft, and smooth.

A range of hyaluronic acid products is used for water retention. According to its different usages, it can be divided into four types: the cosmetic grade, the food grade, the medical grade, and the injection grade. The cosmetic grade is quite popular among beauty lovers, yet the food grade hyaluronic acid is also of great importance thanks to its moisture and anti-aging effect. Here we discuss the benefits, usage, and more of food-grade hyaluronic acid in the article.

Food Grade Hyaluronic Acid

Is Food Grade Hyaluronic Acid Worthwhile?

Absolutely yes. You can easily find food-grade hyaluronic acid content in beverages, vitamins, capsules, and supplements because of the following advantages.

1. It helps your body and skin lock water inside your body.

The weight of water that HA attracts is more than 1,000 times that of itself. Therefore, you just need to take a tiny amount of HA to give a big drink of water to your skin. In addition, your skin will look refreshing in the long term.

2. It assists you to fight against aging and other skin problems.

Food-grade hyaluronic acid supplements reduce your skin’s wrinkles and make it more flexible. It also protects your body from harmful elements such as UV rays and environmental pollutants. HA could accelerate cell growth as well.

Related reading: What are the Top Benefits of Micro Hyaluronic Acid for Your Skin?

Is There A Plant-based Hyaluronic Acid?

There are mainly two ways to produce hyaluronic acid: animal sources and fermentation. Stanford Chemicals provide non-animal food-grade hyaluronic acid for supplementation. You can make inquiries to buy quality food grade HA.

1. Plant-based HA is obtained from microbial fermentation.

This is a method extensively used to make food-grade hyaluronic acid because it is more cost-effective and eco-friendly.

2. Animal sources were used in the past.

The earliest source to get HA is the combs of roosters, yet it was abandoned for low efficiency and complicated process.

Reference: How is Hyaluronic Acid Powder Made

Stanford Chemicals is a supplier of high-purity food-grade hyaluronic acid powder. We ensure that our hyaluronic acid is non-animal and environmental-friendly. Here are the specifications of these products.

Table 1 Specifications of

Food Grade Hyaluronic Acid

How to Take Food-Grade Hyaluronic Acid?

Food-grade hyaluronic acid is taken in the form of common food like jelly, dairy, and drinks. You can get this natural humectant from tablets, capsules, and other healthy foods as well.

1. HA supplementation by mouth could be useful and safe if the dosage is under 200 mg every day.
2. Remember to talk to a healthcare provider whenever needed.
3. Besides, the amount of HA used varies. For instance, it is suggested to take 5 mg for one cycle to cure thumb osteoarthritis.

Can You Safely Ingest Hyaluronic Acid?

Yes. Food-grade hyaluronic acid is rather safe for ingestion. The reason is listed as follows.

1. HA is a substance found in the human body.
2. Report on the adverse effects of HA is rare.
3. However, take professional instructions from doctors if needed.
4. Take caution if you are allergic or pregnant.

Conclusion

Food-grade hyaluronic acid is a natural humectant with numerous applications, and it could attract water to your skin under normal dosage. Hope that you can have a better comprehension of food-grade hyaluronic acid and its usage. Stanford Chemicals have rich experience in the manufacturing and sale of HA. Sodium hyaluronate powder and other derivatives of HA are also available. Check our website to find great food-grade hyaluronic acid products.

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