X-ray-diffraction patterns of hyaluronate fibres from a variety of sources were obtained. Sodium hyaluronate gives well-defined patterns which index on a hexagonal unit cell with dimensions a=1.17±nm and a fibre repeat-distance of 2.85±0.03nm. A further form of sodium hyaluronate is produced by annealing at 60°C in 75% relative humidity. This stable state indexes on a hexagonal unit cell of unchanged fibre repeat-distance but with a=1.87nm. The chain conformation is a threefold helix. Analysis of these diffraction patterns led to two tentative structures for sodium hyaluronate, involving different packing of the polysaccharide chains. The significance of side-chain interaction is discussed. Hyaluronic acid produces an X-ray pattern different from that obtained with the sodium salt. The fibre repeat-distance is 1.96±0.02nm and the unit cell appears to be monoclinic. The chain conformation is a twofold helix and conformational change between free acid and monovalent salt is discussed. These findings, together with model-building experiments, are interpreted as indicating a highly ordered structure, and the physical properties of hyaluronate solutions with regard to molecular shape and polyelectrolyte behaviour are rationalized.
