Product Name | |
| CAS | 99-20-7 |
Quality Standard | Standard |
Product Grade | Cationic Emulsifiers |
Place of Origin | China |
Dangerous Goods | No |
Trehalose is a naturally occurring non-reducing disaccharide that can be found in a wide range of organisms, including bacteria, yeast, fungi, algae, and some invertebrates. It is also present in small amounts in certain plants and edible crops. Renowned for its exceptional stability and bioprotective properties, trehalose has become a valuable ingredient across the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and agricultural industries.
In terms of physical properties, trehalose appears as a white, odorless, crystalline powder with a mild, pleasant sweetness—about half as sweet as sucrose. It dissolves readily in water, forming a clear, colorless solution, and has good solubility in some polar organic solvents. Unlike many other sugars, it exhibits high thermal and chemical stability, maintaining its structure even under extreme conditions such as high temperatures, low humidity, and acidic or alkaline environments. This stability makes it resistant to browning reactions, which is a key advantage in various applications.
Trehalose serves multiple functions in food production, making it a popular additive in processed and packaged foods. First and foremost, it acts as a natural preservative and cryoprotectant. When added to food, it forms a protective film around proteins, fats, and other sensitive ingredients, preventing them from denaturing or degrading during freezing, drying, or long-term storage. This property is particularly useful for preserving the texture and flavor of frozen foods, dried fruits and vegetables, bakery products, and dairy items.
It also functions as a sweetener and flavor enhancer. With its mild sweetness, it can reduce the amount of sucrose in formulations without compromising taste, making it suitable for low-sugar food products. Additionally, trehalose helps mask bitter or off-flavors in foods and beverages, improving the overall sensory experience. Moreover, it has a low glycemic index, making it a preferred choice for products targeting consumers with diabetes or those seeking healthier sweetening options.
In the cosmetic industry, trehalose is highly valued for its excellent moisturizing and skin-protective effects. It has a strong ability to bind to water molecules, helping the skin retain moisture and maintain a hydrated, supple state. When applied topically, it forms a thin, breathable film on the skin surface, reducing transepidermal water loss and protecting the skin from external stressors such as dry air, UV radiation, and pollution.
This disaccharide is also a powerful anti-aging and repairing agent. It can protect the skin’s natural proteins and lipids from damage caused by free radicals, helping to slow down the signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. For damaged or sensitive skin, trehalose helps soothe irritation and accelerate the skin’s repair process, making it a common ingredient in after-sun care products, moisturizers, serums, and facial masks. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Trehalose plays a critical role in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors due to its bioprotective properties. It is widely used to stabilize vaccines, antibodies, enzymes, and other biological drugs during storage and transportation. By protecting the structure of these sensitive biomolecules, trehalose ensures their efficacy and extends their shelf life, even under harsh conditions like freeze-drying or high temperatures.
In topical pharmaceutical preparations such as ointments and creams, trehalose acts as a humectant and stabilizer, improving the texture of the formulation and enhancing the absorption of active pharmaceutical ingredients. It is also being researched for its potential therapeutic benefits, including its ability to reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress, which may have applications in treating certain skin diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.
In agriculture, trehalose is used as a crop protectant. When applied to plants, it helps them withstand abiotic stresses such as drought, extreme temperatures, and salinity, improving their survival rate and yield. In the biotechnology field, it is used in the preservation of microbial cultures and cell lines, ensuring their viability over long periods of storage.
Product Introduction