Drying dissipative structure of sodium salts of hyaluronic acid

Macroscopic and microscopic patterns during the course of dryness of aqueous solution in sodium salts of hyaluronic acid (NaHLA) were observed on a cover glass, a watch glass, and a Petri glass dish. Dendritic and rod-like microscopic patterns, which are similar to those of sodium salts of carboxymethyl cellulose, were observed for NaHLA especially on a cover glass and a watch glass. The microscopic patterns of NaHLA are supported to be originated from the hexose groups of polysaccharides, though the similar dendritic patterns are also observed for some of polynucleotides, sodium salts of deoxyribonucleic acid, and potassium salts of poly (riboadenylic acid), for example. Macroscopic broad ring size decreased substantially from the initial size of liquid and decreased slightly as polymer concentration decreased. These observations are consistent with existence of the rather strong interpolymer affinitive forces during the course of dryness. In the coexistence of sodium chloride, microscopic dendritic patterns grew large especially on a cover glass and a watch glass, which was so often observed for polysaccharides examined hitherto. Drying patterns are clarified to be formed by the successive and cooperative processes of evaporation, convection, sedimentation, and solidification.