Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 4, 2026

The Synthesis of RGD-functionalized Hydrogels as a Tool for Therapeutic Applications
Published on: October 7, 2016
Chemical Synthesis of Modified Hyaluronic Acid Disaccharides
Marco Mende1, Martin Nieger2, Stefan Bräse1,3
1Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany.
Abstract:
Herein we report a chemical synthesis towards new modified hyaluronic acid oligomers by using only commercially available d-glucose and d-glucosamine hydrochloride. The various protected hyaluronic acid disaccharides were synthesized bearing new functional groups at C-6 of the β-d-glucuronic acid moiety with a view to structure-related biological activity tests. The orthogonal protecting group pattern allows ready access to the corresponding higher oligomers. Also, 1 H NMR studies of the new derivatives demonstrated the effect of the various functional groups on the intramolecular electronic environment.
Related Concept Videos
Oligosaccharide Assembly
Multiple sugar molecules that may or may...
Dehydration Synthesis
Dehydration synthesis (also called a condensation reaction) is the chemical process in which two molecules covalently link together to form a new molecule, along with the release of a water molecule. Many physiologically important compounds form by dehydration synthesis reactions, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, and RNA.
Synthesis of carbohydrates
Sugar molecules are covalently linked together by dehydration synthesis. During the reaction, the hydroxyl (-OH) group from...
Glycosaminoglycans
GAGS are found in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, invertebrates, and bacteria. Due to their polar nature they attract water, and serve as excellent lubricants or shock absorbers in an animal body.
Hyaluronic...
Proteoglycans
Hydrolysis
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which the addition of water breaks down a polymer into its simpler monomer units. For example, peptides break into amino acids, carbohydrates into simple sugars, and DNA into nucleotides. Enzymes often facilitate these processes.
Hydrolysis Reverses Dehydration Synthesis
Complex carbohydrates can be broken down by breaking the bonds between individual sugar units. The reaction breaks a glycosidic bond as water is added to the compound. The...
Alkylation of β-Diester Enolates: Malonic Ester Synthesis

