BIOF Supply High Quality N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine CAS 7512-17-6 N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine N-Acetylglucosamine

Short Description:

N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine, commonly abbreviated as GlcNAc or NAG, is a derivative of glucose with important biological functions and wide applications. Here is an introduction:

Chemical Structure and Properties

• Chemical Structure: N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine has a chemical formula of C₈H₁₅NO₆. It is a monosaccharide derivative in which the amino group of D-glucosamine is acetylated. Structurally, it is similar to glucose but with an acetyl group attached to the nitrogen atom of the amino group.

• Physical Properties: It is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and has a relatively mild, sweet taste.

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Biological and Physiological Functions

• Cell Structure and Function: GlcNAc is a fundamental component of glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are integral parts of cell membranes. It plays a crucial role in maintaining cell membrane integrity and stability, as well as in cell recognition and communication. For example, in immune cells, the specific glycoprotein structures containing GlcNAc on the cell surface help the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self cells.

• Metabolic Regulation: It participates in various metabolic pathways in the body. In the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway, GlcNAc is used to modify proteins, which can affect the activity and function of enzymes and transcription factors, thereby regulating gene expression and cellular metabolism.

• Joint Health Maintenance: In the human body, GlcNAc is a precursor for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid, which are major components of cartilage and synovial fluid. By providing the necessary building blocks for GAG synthesis, it helps to maintain the elasticity, lubrication, and shock-absorbing properties of joints, reducing friction between joint surfaces and protecting joint cartilage from wear and tear.

Application

Dietary Supplement and Nutraceutical Applications

• Joint Health Supplements: Due to its role in joint health, GlcNAc is widely used as a dietary supplement for individuals with joint problems, especially those with osteoarthritis. It can help to relieve joint pain, improve joint mobility, and slow down the progression of joint degeneration. Many clinical studies have shown that long-term use of GlcNAc supplements can significantly improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis patients.

• Skin Care and Anti-Aging: In the field of cosmetics and skin care, GlcNAc is used in various products for its potential to improve skin health. It can stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin, increasing skin hydration and improving skin elasticity, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and giving the skin a more youthful and radiant appearance.

Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications

• Drug Delivery Systems: GlcNAc can be conjugated to drugs to form prodrugs, which can improve the solubility and bioavailability of drugs. Moreover, due to its specific recognition by certain cells or tissues that express GlcNAc receptors, it can be used to target drugs to specific sites in the body, increasing the efficacy of drug treatment and reducing systemic side effects.

• Biomedical Research Tools: In biomedical research, GlcNAc and its derivatives are important tools for studying glycobiology and related biological processes. They are used to investigate the structure and function of glycoproteins and glycolipids, as well as the mechanisms of cell signaling, cell adhesion, and immune response.