Human serum albumin (HSA) is a vital protein found in the blood plasma of humans. It is the most abundant protein in the plasma, constituting approximately half of its total protein content. With an approximate molecular weight of 66.5 kDa, it is synthesized in the liver and subsequently released into the bloodstream.
Human serum albumin serves various crucial functions within the body. One of its primary roles is in regulating the osmotic pressure of the blood, maintaining the balance between fluid inside and outside of the blood vessels. It also acts as a carrier protein, transporting various substances such as hormones, fatty acids, drugs, and metabolites throughout the circulatory system. Additionally, human serum albumin plays a crucial role in buffering the pH of the blood, thereby maintaining the body's acid-base balance.
This multifunctional protein also serves important roles in the maintenance of vascular integrity, fatty acid transport, and immunity. Due to its binding capacity, human serum albumin is extensively used in the pharmaceutical industry as a drug delivery vehicle, enabling the transportation of various medications within the body.
Human serum albumin is a major component in medical treatments, such as in the management of hypovolemia, burns, and certain liver disorders. It can be obtained through purification from human plasma or produced using recombinant technology, ensuring a readily available supply for therapeutic applications.
