Chondroitin Sulfate

CAS No:	9007-28-7 (CSA)
EINECS No:	232-696-9
Synonyms:	chondroitin polysulfate, chondroitin sulfuric acid, chondroitin sulphate, chonsurid, CSA (chondroitin sulfate A), CSC (chondroitin sulfate C), CSD (chondroitin sulfate D), β-(1→3)-N-cetylgalactosamine-(1→4)-glucuronic acid polysulfate

Product Summary

Chondroitin Sulfate is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) essential for the structural integrity of cartilage and connective tissue. Derived mainly from animal cartilage, it plays a central role in maintaining joint function, preventing cartilage breakdown, and modulating inflammation. In scientific research and the pharmaceutical industry, it is extensively used for developing treatments for osteoarthritis, tissue regeneration, and targeted drug delivery. With high biocompatibility, low toxicity, and multifunctional bioactivity, chondroitin sulfate continues to be a key biomolecule in modern biomedical applications.

Function

Chondroitin Sulfate is a structural polysaccharide in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of connective tissues. It maintains cartilage integrity, elasticity, and hydration, providing resistance to compression in joints.

Mechanism of Action

Chondroitin Sulfate exerts anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects via:

Inhibiting IL-1β-induced degradation of cartilage matrix;
Reducing production of prostaglandins and nitric oxide;
Attracting synovial fluid to joint spaces to improve lubrication and nutrient diffusion, mitigating friction-induced damage;
Interacting with collagen, hyaluronic acid, and aggrecan to support cartilage framework.

Applications in Scientific Research

Used in osteoarthritis models for cartilage regeneration studies.
Used to study drug delivery systems due to mucoadhesive and biocompatible properties.
Conjugated with Fast Green FCF and used as fluorescent probes for quantification.
Applied in studies of chondrocytes, neutrophils, and tumor cells to investigate ECM-cell signaling, inflammation, and cytotoxicity.

Packaging & Storage

Sources: bovine trachea or cartilage, porcine cartilage, or chicken.
White to off-white hygroscopic powder.
Store in a tightly closed container in a cool and dry place.

References

Fujikawa S, et al. 2005: Enzymatic synthesis of chondroitin 4-sulfate with well-defined structure, Biomacromolecules. 6(6): 2935–42.
Ramadan S, et al. 2020: Chemical synthesis and anti-inflammatory activity of bikunin associated chondroitin sulfate 24-mer, ACS Cent Sci. 6(6): 913–20.
Guvench O, Whitmore EK. 2021: Sulfation and calcium favor compact conformations of chondroitin in aqueous solutions, ACS Omega. 6(20): 13204–17.
Li J, et al. 2020: Enzymatic synthesis of chondroitin sulfate E to attenuate bacteria lipopolysaccharide-induced organ damage, ACS Cent Sci. 6(7): 1199–207.
Wang W, et al. 2020: Research and application of chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate-degrading enzymes, Front Cell Dev Biol. 8: 560442.
Bustos Araya ME, et al. 2024: Chondroitin sulfate for cartilage regeneration, administered topically using a nanostructured formulation, Int J Mol Sci. 25(18): 10023.
Shen Q, et al. 2023: A review of chondroitin sulfate’s preparation, properties, functions, and applications, Molecules. 28(20): 7093.
Santos GR, et al. 2017: Systematic analysis of pharmaceutical preparations of chondroitin sulfate combined with glucosamine, Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 10(2): 38.
Vessella G, et al. 2021: Deciphering structural determinants in chondroitin sulfate binding to FGF-2: Paving the way to enhanced predictability of their biological functions, Polymers. 13(2): 313.
Schwartz NB, Domowicz MS. 2022: Roles of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans as regulators of skeletal development, Front Cell Dev Biol. 10: 745372.
Brito R, et al. 2023: Chondroitin sulfate supplements for osteoarthritis: A critical review, Cureus. 15(6): e40192.
Sircar S. 2015: Determining equilibrium osmolarity in poly(ethylene glycol)/chondroitin sulfate gels mimicking articular cartilage, J Theor Biol. 364: 397–406.