Let's talk about several applications of trehalose

Trehalose, also known as raffinose or mushroom sugar, is a non reducing disaccharide composed of two glucose molecules. Trehalose is a typical stress metabolite that can form a protective film on the surface of cells under harsh environmental conditions such as high temperature, high altitude, high osmotic pressure, and dehydration, effectively protecting the structure of biomolecules from damage and maintaining the life processes and biological characteristics of living organisms. Trehalose can be widely used in various industries such as biologics, pharmaceuticals, food, health products, fine chemicals, cosmetics, feed, and agricultural science.

Introduction to some applications of trehalose:

1. Food industry

In the food industry, various applications of trehalose are currently being developed and researched based on their non reducing properties, moisturizing properties, frost resistance, drying resistance, high-quality sweetness, energy source, and other functions and characteristics. Trehalose products can be applied to various foods and seasonings, greatly improving the quality of food and increasing its variety, promoting further development of the food industry. [5]

The functional characteristics of trehalose and its application in food: (1) prevent starch aging, (2) prevent protein denaturation, (3) inhibit lipid oxidation and deterioration, (4) correct taste, (5) maintain tissue stability and freshness of vegetables and meat, and (6) provide a long-lasting and stable energy source.

3. Cosmetics

Because trehalose has strong moisturizing effect, sunscreen, UV protection and other physiological effects, it can be added to lotion, facial mask, facial cleansers as a humectant, protectant, and can also be used as a sweetener and quality improver for lipstick, oral cleanser, oral fragrance, and so on. Anhydrous trehalose can also be used in cosmetics as a dehydrating agent for phospholipids and enzymes, and its fatty acid derivatives are excellent surfactants.

4. Crop breeding

Using biotechnology to introduce the trehalose synthase gene into crops and express it in their bodies, constructing genetically modified plants that produce trehalose, cultivating new varieties of frost resistant and drought resistant genetically modified plants, improving the cold and drought resistance of crops, and making them appear fresh after harvesting and processing, while maintaining their original flavor and texture.

Trehalose can also be used for seed preservation, etc. After using trehalose, it can effectively maintain the water molecules in the roots and stems of seeds and seedlings, which is beneficial for crop sowing and high survival rate. At the same time, it protects crops from frostbite caused by cold, which is of great significance for reducing production costs, especially the impact of cold and dry climate in the north on agriculture.