Trehalose – Superior bioprotective and stabilizing excipient for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics

1. General introduction to Trehalose

Trehalose is a naturally occurring non-reducing disaccharide found widely in plants, fungi, and microorganisms. What makes Trehalose unique and highly valuable is its extraordinary ability to protect cell membranes and biological macromolecules (such as proteins and peptides) from degradation under harsh conditions like dehydration, high temperatures, or freezing.

In the pharmaceutical industry, especially in biopharmaceuticals, Trehalose is an irreplaceable excipient in lyophilization (freeze-drying) technology, helping to maintain the activity of vaccines and antibodies. Furthermore, with its mild sweetness and high moisture-retaining properties, it is also widely used in conventional dosage forms and high-end skincare cosmetics.

2. Information on Trehalose

• Raw material name: Trehalose (Trehalose dihydrate)
• Material category: Pharmaceutical excipients / Biostabilizers, lyoprotectants, bulking agents, sweeteners.
• Function: Stabilizes protein/peptide structures, protects cells during freeze-drying, moisturizes, acts as a bulking agent.
• Chemical composition: A non-reducing disaccharide composed of two alpha-glucose molecules (C12H22O11).
• Material form: White crystalline powder, practically odorless, with a mild sweet taste (sweetness is about 45% that of Sucrose).
• Solubility: Highly soluble in water, partially soluble in methanol and ethanol.

3. Advantages of Trehalose

• Excellent bioprotection: Capable of forming a glassy matrix structure around protein molecules, preventing denaturation and aggregation during lyophilization (freeze-drying) and storage.
• Absolute chemical stability: As a non-reducing sugar, Trehalose does not participate in the Maillard reaction with amino acids or proteins (preventing browning or active ingredient degradation), and it is stable across a wide pH range and at high temperatures.
• Moisture retention and membrane protection: Helps retain water and protects cellular lipid membranes, preventing damage caused by desiccation or environmental stress.
• Pleasant and safe taste: Mild sweetness without an aftertaste, does not cause severe blood sugar spikes like table sugar, and notably, it is non-cariogenic (does not cause tooth decay).

4. Applications of Trehalose

In pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals (Core applications)

• Injectables and biologics: The premier lyoprotectant (freeze-drying excipient) for recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), vaccines, and liposomes, helping to extend shelf life and maintain therapeutic efficacy.
• Ophthalmic solutions: Widely used in artificial tears and dry eye treatments due to its long-lasting moisture retention and ability to protect corneal epithelial cells from desiccation damage.
• Tablets and capsules: Acts as a premium bulking agent and binder due to its chemical stability, especially useful for active ingredients that are prone to oxidation or incompatible with reducing sugars (like lactose).

In cosmetics and personal care

• Skin care products: Applied in moisturizing creams and anti-aging serums thanks to its deep hydration capabilities, protecting fibroblasts and skin cells from environmental stressors.

5. Commercial products using Trehalose

6. Product contact information

For more information on the supply chain, technical specifications of Trehalose, or to place an order, please contact us:

• Consulting Hotline: +84 (0) 834 560 500
• Email: director@biorichgroup.com
• Website: www.biorichgroup.com
• Sample/COA Request: Please contact us via email to request a sample and the latest Certificate of Analysis (COA) of the material.