Trehalose sugar​

The Ultimate Guide to Trehalose: Science, Benefits & Premium Sourcing

1. What is Trehalose?

Trehalose (α-D-glucopyranosyl α-D-glucopyranoside) is a naturally occurring, non-reducing disaccharide sugar composed of two glucose molecules linked by a unique α,α-1,1-glycosidic bond. This distinctive molecular configuration underpins its remarkable stability and protective properties, earning it the nickname “nature’s protectant.” It functions as a vital energy source and stress protectant in many organisms, from bacteria and fungi to insects and plants, enabling survival under extreme conditions like dehydration and heat.

2. Product Source, Chemical Properties & Identification

• Source: Primarily derived commercially through the enzymatic hydrolysis of starch (from corn, potatoes, or tapioca) using specific enzymes like maltooligosyl trehalose synthase (MTSase) and maltooligosyl trehalose trehalohydrolase (MTHase). Shaanxi Zhonghong sources premium non-GMO botanical starch.

• Chemical Nature: White crystalline powder, odorless, with a mild sweetness (~45% of sucrose). Highly soluble in water and hot ethanol, insoluble in most organic solvents.

• Key Chemical Properties:

  • Exceptional Stability: Resists acid hydrolysis and decomposition by most α-glucosidases better than sucrose. Non-reducing, minimizing Maillard reactions.

  • High Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): Forms stable glasses upon dehydration, crucial for protecting biomolecules.

  • Osmoprotectant & Cryoprotectant: Protects cells and biomolecules against osmotic stress and freezing damage.

  • Hygroscopicity: Lower than sucrose, improving handling properties.

• Identification:

  • CAS Number: 99-20-7

  • Molecular Formula (MF): C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁

  • Molecular Weight (MW): 342.30 g/mol

  • EINECS Number: 202-739-6

3. What is the Best Trehalose? Key Selection Criteria

Choosing the highest quality trehalose is paramount for efficacy and safety. Look for these attributes:

• Composition & Purity: Opt for ≥99.5% purity (dried basis), minimizing impurities like glucose, maltose, or residual solvents that can impact performance or taste. Shaanxi Zhonghong utilizes advanced chromatography (HPLC, UPLC) to ensure ultra-high purity standards exceeding industry norms.

• Efficacy & Compliance:

  • GRAS Status: Generally Recognized As Safe by the US FDA (GRN No. 000045).

  • JECFA: Approved by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives.

  • EU: Approved as a Novel Food (NF) and food additive (E number E 965).

  • Kosher, Halal, Non-GMO: Essential for broad market acceptance.

• Origin & Manufacturing: Source from reputable manufacturers with stringent GMP, ISO, or FSSC 22000 certifications. Transparent supply chains and ethical sourcing (e.g., non-GMO corn or tapioca) are critical. Shaanxi Zhonghong leverages vertically integrated production under ISO-certified facilities.

• Usage: Highly versatile.

  • Food & Beverage: Add to formulations (baking, confectionery, dairy, beverages, sauces) for mild sweetness, texture enhancement, moisture retention, flavor/aroma stabilization, and shelf-life extension. Typical use levels: 1-15%.

  • Cosmetics/Personal Care: Incorporate into serums, creams, lotions, hair care (1-5%) for moisturization (humectant), protection against dehydration, and stabilization of active ingredients.

  • Pharmaceuticals/Biotech: Employ as a stabilizer/excipient in vaccines, antibodies, diagnostic reagents, and cell culture media (often 1-10% w/v) for freeze-drying (lyoprotectant) and thermal protection.

  • Dietary Supplements: Often used in powdered supplements or capsules.

• Target Audience: Food manufacturers, cosmetic formulators, nutraceutical producers, pharmaceutical/biotech companies, research institutions.

• Health Benefits & Mechanism: While primarily a functional ingredient, research suggests potential benefits:

  • Cellular Protection: Stabilizes proteins and lipid membranes, protects against desiccation and oxidative stress via vitrification and preferential exclusion mechanisms.

  • Autophagy Induction: Some studies indicate trehalose may enhance cellular autophagy clearance pathways, relevant to metabolic and neurodegenerative research (note: human evidence is evolving).

  • Dental Health: Non-cariogenic (does not promote tooth decay).

  • Gentle on Digestion: Suitable for individuals with sucrase deficiency (trehalase enzyme required).

• Daily Intake & Safety: JECFA established an ADI of “not specified,” indicating high safety at levels consumed in food. Typical consumption is low (grams per day). High doses (>50g) may cause osmotic laxative effects in sensitive individuals, similar to other low-digestibility carbohydrates.

• Side Effects: Extremely rare at typical use levels. Potential for mild gastrointestinal discomfort (bloating, gas) at very high intakes.

• Precautions: Individuals with hereditary trehalase deficiency (rare) should avoid large amounts. Consult a physician before high-dose supplemental use.

4. Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.: Your Trusted Trehalose Partner

Shaanxi Zhonghong stands as a premier, vertically integrated high-tech enterprise specializing in the research, development, manufacturing, and global distribution of premium bio-active compounds, including pharmaceutical-grade Trehalose. For 28 years, we’ve served the chemical, material science, and life science sectors with excellence.

• Core Expertise: Advanced extraction, purification, and synthesis of plant-derived compounds and specialty carbohydrates.

• Product Portfolio: Extensive range encompassing Natural Plant Extracts, Cosmetic Actives, Pharmaceutical Intermediates & APIs, Nutraceuticals, Food & Beverage Additives (Natural Sweeteners, Preservatives, Stabilizers), Natural Pigments, and high-purity standards like Trehalose.

• Scientific Edge (R&D Barriers):

  • Joint Innovation: Strategic collaborations with 5 leading universities, operating dedicated joint laboratories.

  • IP Portfolio: Ownership of 20+ patented extraction, purification, and analytical technologies.

  • Unique Compound Library: Maintains a globally exclusive repository of rare bioactive molecules.

• Manufacturing & Quality Prowess:

  • Cutting-Edge Equipment: Utilizes High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), Superconducting Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), GC-MS, ICP-MS for unparalleled precision.

  • Purity Leadership: Rigorous QC protocols ensure purity standards consistently surpass industry averages by 20%+.

• Global Reach: Established distribution and partnership networks across 80+ countries in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, providing customized ingredient solutions to multinational pharmaceutical corporations, leading research institutions, and major FMCG brands.

5. Trehalose Benefits: Functional & Health Applications

• Functional Benefits:

  • Stabilizer: Exceptional protection for proteins, enzymes, vaccines, cells, lipids, and volatile compounds during processing, drying, freezing, and storage.

  • Humectant & Texturizer: Retains moisture, improves mouthfeel in food, and enhances skin hydration in cosmetics.

  • Sweetness Modifier: Provides clean, mild sweetness without aftertaste; reduces sugar content.

  • Flavor & Color Protector: Minimizes Maillard browning and flavor degradation.

  • Shelf-Life Extender: Protects integrity of sensitive ingredients.

• Health-Oriented Benefits (Research Supported):

  • Metabolic Research: Potential role in supporting cellular energy metabolism and stress response pathways.

  • Ocular & Skin Health: Research explores topical benefits for dry eye and skin barrier function via hydration.

  • Biomedical Stabilization: Critical for preserving biologics, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine products.

6. Trehalose Dihydrate: Product Specifications & Quality Control

Shaanxi Zhonghong’s Trehalose Dihydrate meets the highest international pharmacopeial standards (USP, Ph. Eur., JP). Below is a summary of our rigorous Quality Control testing:

Certificate of Analysis (COA) Specifications

7. Advanced Production Process

Shaanxi Zhonghong employs a sophisticated, multi-stage enzymatic process ensuring maximum purity and yield:

1. Raw Material Selection & Prep: Sourcing high-grade, non-GMO starch. Slurry preparation and liquefaction.

2. Enzymatic Conversion: Precise treatment with MTSase and MTHase enzymes under optimized conditions (pH, temperature) to specifically convert starch into trehalose.

3. Decolorization & Filtration: Removal of pigments and impurities using activated carbon and precision filtration (ultrafiltration/nanofiltration).

4. Ion Exchange Chromatography: Advanced resin systems remove ionic impurities (salts, amino acids) and residual sugars.

5. Concentration & Crystallization: Vacuum evaporation followed by controlled crystallization to form high-purity dihydrate crystals.

6. Centrifugation & Drying: Separation of crystals, washing, and gentle fluidized bed drying to achieve precise moisture content.

7. Milling & Sieving: Achieving consistent particle size distribution for optimal functionality.

8. Integrated Quality Control: In-process checks and final release testing against stringent COA specifications using HPLC, UPLC, NMR, GC-MS, ICP-MS.

8. Diverse Application Scenarios

• Food & Beverage: Bakery (shelf-life, texture), confectionery (reducing crystallization, gloss), dairy (ice cream stability, yogurt texture), beverages (flavor protection, reduced browning), sauces & dressings (viscosity, consistency), functional foods.

• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Facial moisturizers, serums, anti-aging creams, body lotions, hair conditioners, shampoos, mascara (preventing drying), lip care. Functions as humectant, stabilizer for actives (Vit C, peptides), protectant.

• Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology: Stabilizing excipient for injectables, vaccines, antibodies, diagnostic reagents, enzymes, cell culture media, stem cells, tissues for transplantation. Critical for lyophilization (freeze-drying) processes.

• Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements: Ingredient in powdered supplements, capsules, functional drink mixes.

• Agriculture & Animal Feed: Seed coating protectant, stress protectant in feed.

9. Uncompromising Quality Control (QC)

Shaanxi Zhonghong’s commitment to quality is embedded at every stage, exceeding cGMP and ISO 9001 standards. Our QC philosophy rests on:

• Raw Material Vetting: Rigorous qualification and testing of all incoming botanical starch against strict specifications for identity, purity, and contaminants.

• Process Analytical Technology (PAT): Real-time monitoring of critical process parameters (pH, temp, pressure, concentration) via integrated sensors and automation to ensure batch consistency.

• State-of-the-Art Laboratory: Equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation: UPLC/HPLC (for assay and impurities), GC-MS (residual solvents, pesticides), ICP-MS (heavy metals), NMR (confirmation of structure and purity), Karl Fischer titrators (moisture), advanced microbiological suites. Regular calibration and method validation per ICH Q2(R1).

• Stability Studies: Conducting ICH-compliant accelerated and long-term stability studies to define shelf life and storage conditions.

• Traceability & Documentation: Comprehensive documentation from seed to shipment, ensuring full traceability. Electronic batch records and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) integration.

• Third-Party Verification: Periodic audits and testing by accredited independent laboratories.

10. Secure Packaging & Global Logistics

• Primary Packaging: Food-grade polyethylene liners within multi-wall kraft paper bags (25kg) or FDA-compliant polyethylene drums (50kg, 200kg). Optional vacuum packing for hygroscopic grades. Smaller quantities available in HDPE bottles or double-bagged foil pouches (1kg, 5kg).

• Secondary Packaging: Palletized and stretch-wrapped, corrugated cartons for smaller units.

• Storage: Store in a cool (<25°C), dry (RH <65%), well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and strong odors. Shelf life typically 36 months from date of manufacture in unopened original packaging.

• Global Logistics: Efficient shipping via air, sea (FCL/LCL), or land freight. Expertise in handling customs clearance, documentation (CoA, MSDS, Certificate of Origin, Health Certs), and cold-chain requirements if necessary. DDP/DAP options available worldwide.

11. Deep Dive: Health Mechanisms, Innovation & Research Frontiers

• Health Mechanisms: Trehalose’s efficacy stems from its unique physicochemical properties:

  • Vitrification: Forms an amorphous glassy state upon dehydration, physically immobilizing biomolecules and preventing denaturation/unfolding.

  • Water Replacement Hypothesis: Its hydroxyl groups form hydrogen bonds with polar groups on proteins and membranes, replacing water molecules and maintaining structure in the dry state.

  • Chemical Chaperoning: Directly interacts with partially unfolded proteins, aiding correct refolding.

  • Autophagy Modulation: Research suggests it may activate TFEB (transcription factor EB), a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis and autophagy, potentially aiding clearance of protein aggregates (e.g., huntingtin, α-synuclein). Note: Clinical significance in humans is an active research area.

• Industry Applications & Tech Innovation:

  • Biobanking: Critical for stable long-term preservation of cells, tissues, and organs.

  • Advanced Drug Delivery: Stabilizing mRNA vaccines, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), and sensitive biologics.

  • Sustainable Formulations: Enabling natural preservative systems and reducing reliance on synthetic stabilizers.

  • Next-Gen Diagnostics: Stabilizing enzymes and antibodies in lateral flow assays and biosensors.

• Research Frontiers & Challenges:

  • Neurodegenerative Diseases: Exploring therapeutic potential in models of Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s via autophagy enhancement and protein aggregate clearance.

  • Ophthalmic Therapeutics: Development of trehalose-based formulations for dry eye syndrome and corneal protection.

  • Agricultural Biotechnology: Engineering crops with enhanced trehalose biosynthesis for drought/cold tolerance.

  • Delivery Systems: Novel nano/micro-carriers utilizing trehalose for targeted delivery.

  • Key Challenges: Optimizing bioavailability for systemic effects, large-scale clinical validation of health benefits, cost-effective production scaling for niche therapeutic applications.

12. Trehalose FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Q1: Is trehalose natural?
  A: Yes, it occurs naturally in many organisms. Commercial production typically uses enzymatic conversion from plant starch.

• Q2: Is trehalose safe?
  A: Yes, it is recognized as safe (GRAS, JECFA, EU Novel Food) for consumption in food. It has an excellent safety profile at typical intake levels.

• Q3: Does trehalose cause C. difficile infections?
  A: Some older studies suggested a link, but extensive subsequent research and reviews by EFSA and FDA have found no credible evidence that dietary trehalose causes or exacerbates C. difficile infections in humans. The strain implicated utilized trehalose inefficiently.

• Q4: How sweet is trehalose compared to sugar?
  A: Trehalose is mildly sweet, approximately 45% as sweet as table sugar (sucrose).

• Q5: Can people with diabetes consume trehalose?
  A: Trehalose has a relatively low glycemic index (GI ~70, similar to sucrose). It is metabolized to glucose, so it should be accounted for in carbohydrate intake like other sugars, under medical/dietetic guidance.

• Q6: What makes Shaanxi Zhonghong’s trehalose superior?
  A: Ultra-high purity (>99.5%), advanced enzymatic process, stringent QC exceeding pharmacopeial standards (USP/Ph.Eur./JP), GMP manufacturing, full traceability, global regulatory compliance support, and technical expertise.

• Q7: Can trehalose be used in cosmetics?
  A: Absolutely. It’s a highly effective humectant and stabilizer for sensitive actives, widely used in skincare and haircare formulations.

• Q8: What is the shelf life?
  A: Typically 36 months when stored in unopened original packaging in a cool, dry place.

• Q9: Where can I buy it? / Can I get a sample?
  A: See section 13 below.

13. Where to Buy High-Purity Trehalose & Request Samples

Source premium Trehalose Dihydrate directly from the manufacturer: Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.

• Contact for Sales & Free Samples:

  • Email: liaodaohai@gmail.com

  • Website: www.aiherba.com

• What to Include: Specify quantity requirements (sample, bulk), intended application (food, cosmetic, pharma), and any specific grade or certification needs (Kosher, Halal, USP, etc.).

14. Conclusion

Trehalose is a versatile, safe, and scientifically fascinating disaccharide with unparalleled stabilizing properties. Its applications span food preservation, cosmetic enhancement, and critical roles in stabilizing life-saving pharmaceuticals and biotech products. When sourcing trehalose, purity, process integrity, and rigorous quality control are non-negotiable for optimal performance and safety. Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd., with its 28-year legacy, cutting-edge R&D, vertically integrated GMP manufacturing, and commitment to exceeding purity standards, stands as a global leader in providing premium Trehalose. We empower industries to innovate with confidence through reliable, high-performance ingredients backed by science and stringent quality.

15. References

1. US FDA GRAS Notice No. 000045: https://www.fda.gov/media/133663/download (Usually accessible via FDA GRAS Notice Inventory)

2. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) (2011). Scientific Opinion on the safety of trehalose. EFSA Journal, 9(4), 2073.

3. Ohtake, S., & Wang, Y. J. (2011). Trehalose: current use and future applications. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 100(6), 2020-2053.

4. Richards, A. B., et al. (2002). Trehalose: a review of properties, history of use and human tolerance, and results of multiple safety studies. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 40(7), 871-898.

5. Chen, A., & Gibney, P. A. (2022). Trehalose: A review of biosynthesis, metabolism and functions. Carbohydrate Research, 108523.

6. Collins, J., et al. (2022). Dietary trehalose and virulent Clostridioides difficile, a dangerous liaison? The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 22(1), e1-e2. (Perspective on safety debate)

7. Sakaguchi, M., et al. (2015). Neuroprotective effects of trehalose through autophagy induction in a cellular model of Huntington’s disease. Neuroscience Letters, 595, 1-6. (Example research area)

8. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) – Trehalose Monograph.

9. European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) – Trehalose Dihydrate Monograph.

10. Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) – Specifications for Trehalose.