Trehalose

Trehalose is a disaccharide sugar composed of two glucose molecules. It has various applications across different fields, primarily due to its unique properties. Here are some of the notable uses of trehalose:

1. **Food Industry**:
   - **Sweetener**: Trehalose has a mild sweetness and is often used as a sugar substitute in various food products.
   - **Moisture Retention**: It helps retain moisture in baked goods, enhancing texture and shelf life.
   - **Stabilizer**: It acts as a stabilizing agent for proteins and enzymes, improving the quality and stability of food products.

2. **Pharmaceuticals**:
   - **Cryoprotectant**: Trehalose is used to protect biological materials, such as cells and proteins, during freezing and drying processes.
   - **Drug Formulation**: It is utilized in the formulation of certain drugs to enhance stability and solubility.

3. **Cosmetics and Personal Care**:
   - **Moisturizer**: Trehalose is added to skincare products for its hydrating properties, helping to prevent moisture loss.
   - **Stabilizer**: It can stabilize emulsions and improve the texture of cosmetic formulations.

4. **Biotechnology**:
   - **Cell Preservation**: Trehalose is used in the preservation of cells, tissues, and organs for research and transplantation purposes.
   - **Protein Stabilization**: It stabilizes proteins in various biotechnological applications, enhancing their functionality and shelf life.

5. **Medical Research**:
   - **Potential Therapeutic Applications**: Studies have explored trehalose's potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and as a therapeutic agent due to its ability to induce autophagy.

6. **Animal Feed**:
   - Trehalose is sometimes added to animal feed to improve gut health and enhance the nutritional value of the feed.

Overall, trehalose's versatility and beneficial properties make it a valuable ingredient in many industries.