**Introduction to Human Serum Albumin (HSA)** Human Serum Albumin (HSA) is a vital plasma protein produced by the liver, constituting about 50% of total blood plasma protein. Known for its exceptional binding and transport capabilities, HSA plays a crucial role in maintaining osmotic pressure, transporting hormones, fatty acids, and drugs, and stabilizing fluid balance. Its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-immunogenicity make it widely used in therapeutic applications, including shock treatment, burns, liver cirrhosis, and hypoalbuminemia. Additionally, HSA serves as an excipient in drug formulations and a stabilizer in vaccines and biologics. With its multifunctional properties, HSA remains indispensable in both clinical medicine and biotechnological research.
Preparation Process: Human serum albumin (HSA) is typically isolated from human plasma through fractionation. The **Cohn process** (cold ethanol fractionation) is commonly used: 1. **Plasma Collection**: Blood is centrifuged to separate plasma from cellular components. 2. **Precipitation**: Plasma is mixed with ethanol at low temperature (pH 5.8) to precipitate impurities. 3. **Fractionation**: Albumin-rich fractions (Fraction V) are separated via centrifugation. 4. **Purification**: Further purification involves ion-exchange chromatography or ultrafiltration to remove residual contaminants. 5. **Stabilization**: The purified albumin is pasteurized (60°C for 10 hours) and formulated with stabilizers (e.g., sodium caprylate). 6. **Sterilization**: Final product is filtered and aseptically filled into vials. Recombinant HSA can also be produced using yeast or bacterial expression systems.
Usage Scenarios: Human serum albumin (HSA) is a plasma protein widely used in medical and biotechnological applications. Clinically, it serves as a volume expander to treat hypovolemia, shock, and burns by maintaining oncotic pressure and stabilizing blood circulation. It is also used in surgeries and trauma care. In drug delivery, HSA acts as a carrier for therapeutic agents, enhancing solubility and targeting. Biotechnologically, it stabilizes labile compounds, supports cell culture media, and serves as a blocking agent in immunoassays. Additionally, HSA is utilized in diagnostic kits and vaccine formulations. Its biocompatibility and non-immunogenicity make it valuable in therapeutic and research settings.