What are the uses and functions of trehalose?

Trehalose contains a wide range of trace elements. It is a non-reducing sugar composed of two glucose molecules linked by a glycosidic bond, with three isomers: trehalose, isotrehalose, and neotrehalose. It exhibits nonspecific protective effects on various bioactive substances.

Trehalose, discovered in the early 21st century, was later applied in medical fields. It contains abundant trace elements and consists of two glucose molecules forming a non-reducing sugar with three isomers. Scientists found that desert plants like Selaginella lepidophylla nearly die during drought but revive miraculously with water, and alpine plants like resurrection grass survive extreme cold. Insects endure freezing, high temperatures, or dehydration without dying—all due to trehalose’s life-preserving properties. So, what are the uses and functions of trehalose?

Trehalose’s magical protective role lies in its ability to form a unique protective membrane on cell surfaces under harsh conditions (high heat, cold, osmotic pressure, or dehydration), preventing protein denaturation and inactivation, thereby sustaining life processes. Many species with extreme environmental resilience directly correlate with high trehalose levels. Unlike sucrose or glucose, trehalose uniquely maintains cell vitality, serves as a key moisturizing ingredient in cosmetics, and acts as a natural food additive to prevent spoilage, preserve freshness, and enhance food quality.

In cosmetics, trehalose’s application stems from its ability to preserve cell vitality and biomolecule activity. Skin cells, especially epidermal cells, easily lose moisture and keratinize or die under extreme heat, cold, dryness, or UV radiation. Trehalose forms a protective film on the cell surface, releasing mucus that not only hydrates skin cells but also radiates external heat, shielding the skin from damage.