Trehalose, a non-reducing disaccharide linked by an ɑ, ɑ-1,1-glucosidic bond, has emerged as a gold-standard "resurrection sugar" in the cosmetic industry. Its unique ability to form a vitreous glass phase protects biological membranes and proteins from denaturation caused by desiccation, oxidation, and thermal stress. CD BioGlyco leverages the cutting edge of synthetic glycobiology to provide a high-purity trehalose production service. Moving beyond traditional extraction, we utilize advanced enzymatic conversion and microbial cell factory engineering to produce trehalose that meets the stringent requirements of high-end dermatological and personal care products. Our process ensures a sustainable, scalable, and bio-identical ingredient that enhances cellular longevity and skin barrier resilience.
Core Technologies
Our platform integrates several proprietary technological pillars to ensure the highest yield and purity:
Enzymatic Cascade Engineering
We employ a highly efficient dual-enzyme system consisting of malto-oligosyltrehalose synthase (MTSase) and malto-oligosyltrehalose trehalohydrolase (MTHase). This cascade allows for the direct conversion of liquefied starch into trehalose with minimal byproduct formation.
Recombinant Trehalose Synthase (TreS) Systems
For specialized applications, we utilize recombinant Escherichia coli or Corynebacterium glutamicum expressing optimized TreS genes, facilitating the intramolecular rearrangement of maltose to trehalose in a single-step biotransformation.
Metabolic Pathway Optimization
By knocking out competitive pathways and enhancing glucose-6-phosphate precursors, we maximize carbon flux toward trehalose accumulation within our proprietary microbial hosts.
Preserving Biological Vitality through Molecular Precision.
We provide a comprehensive service scope that spans the entire lifecycle of trehalose development. Our capabilities extend from the initial genetic engineering of microbial strains to the industrial-scale manufacturing of trehalose as a high-value cosmetic ingredient. We specialize in the production of bio-based trehalose that serves as a multi-functional active: a humectant, a protectant against environmental pollutants, and a stabilizer for other sensitive cosmetic actives like vitamins and peptides.
Our service encompasses custom enzymatic synthesis, where we can adjust the production parameters to yield specific trehalose derivatives or blends. We also offer stability testing within specific cosmetic matrices (O/W emulsions, anhydrous serums, and hydrogels) to ensure that the trehalose maintains its protective "water-replacement" properties throughout the product's shelf life. CD BioGlyco's commitment to synthetic glycobiology means we provide a transparent supply chain, free from the seasonal variations associated with traditional agricultural extraction. Our technical team works closely with your R&D department to optimize the concentration of trehalose for specific claims, such as anti-pollution effects, deep hydration, or "anti-freezing" protection for skincare used in extreme climates.
Workflow
Substrate Customization
We select optimal carbon sources, such as high-maltose corn syrup or pharmaceutical-grade starch, tailored to the desired final viscosity and purity profile of the cosmetic additive.
Biocatalyst Preparation
Depending on the project scale, we deploy either purified recombinant enzymes or whole-cell permeabilized biocatalysts to initiate the conversion process under controlled pH and temperature.
Biotransformation Phase
The substrate undergoes enzymatic rearrangement. During this stage, real-time monitoring of the maltose-to-trehalose conversion ratio ensures the reaction reaches thermodynamic equilibrium efficiently.
Downstream Purification
Utilizing advanced chromatographic separation (e.g., ion-exchange and decolorization with activated carbon), we remove residual sugars, proteins, and minerals to achieve a crystalline product.
Quality Analytics
Every batch undergoes HPLC analysis to verify purity (>99%) and specialized testing for endotoxins and microbial load to ensure safety for topical applications.
Formulation Integration
We provide final trehalose in various physical forms, including micronized powders or stabilized aqueous solutions, ready for direct integration into your cosmetic production line.
Publication Data
Journal: Bioengineering
DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10080977
Published: 2023
IF: 3.7
Results: In this study, the authors developed a streamlined, one-step fermentation process for efficient trehalose production by engineering a safe Bacillus subtilis strain. They first demonstrated that supplementing the conventional two-enzyme system (MTSase and MTHase) with a neutral pullulanase (PulA) increased the trehalose conversion rate from maltodextrin by 2.46 times. Subsequently, they constructed an engineered B. subtilis strain, PSH02, capable of co-secreting all three extracellular enzymes at an optimal ratio by fusing the key enzymes with a CBM68 domain to enhance secretion. Following 24 hours of fermentation, the resulting extracellular enzyme cocktail directly catalyzed the conversion of 100 g/L maltodextrin to trehalose with a high yield of 80%. The engineered strain also exhibited excellent passage stability, and the enzyme mixture maintained good preservation stability. This integrated approach simplifies multi-enzyme preparation and offers a cost-effective, industrial-scale alternative to traditional methods relying on E. coli.
Applications
Anti-Pollution Skincare
Trehalose forms a protective shield on the skin surface, preventing the adhesion of PM2.5 particles and reducing oxidative stress markers induced by urban smog and heavy metals.
Advanced Hydration Serums
As a "natural moisturizing factor" (NMF) mimic, trehalose provides long-lasting hydration by locking moisture in the stratum corneum and preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) for up to 48 hours.
Sun Care and After-Sun Repair
It protects skin cells from the thermal shock of UV radiation and helps prevent the denaturation of dermal proteins like collagen and elastin, mitigating the long-term effects of photoaging.
Cryo-Cosmetics and Cold-Weather Protection
Ideal for winter-care products, trehalose prevents the formation of intracellular ice crystals in the skin, maintaining cell membrane fluidity and preventing "windburn" and dryness in sub-zero temperatures.
Advantages
Superior Bio-protection
Our trehalose excels at stabilizing the lipid bilayer of skin cells. Research indicates that our production method yields a disaccharide with the exact stereochemical configuration required to replace water molecules during dehydration, preventing cellular apoptosis under environmental stress.
Sustainable Manufacturing
By utilizing directed enzymatic conversion rather than resource-heavy extraction, we significantly reduce the environmental footprint. Our process uses 40% less water and generates 60% less organic waste compared to traditional methods, aligning with modern "Green Beauty" standards.
Odourless and Colourless Integration
Through proprietary decolorization and deodorization steps, we ensure that our trehalose does not interfere with the delicate olfactory or visual aesthetics of your premium fragrance or cosmetic formulations.
Optimal Skin Compatibility
With an extremely low glycemic index and non-irritating profile, our trehalose is suitable for sensitive skin. It has been tested against the most stringent dermatological standards, showing zero sensitization even at concentrations as high as 10% in leave-on products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Customer Review
"Switching to CD BioGlyco's trehalose was a game-changer for our anti-pollution line. The purity level is significantly higher than that of our previous supplier, which allowed us to remove several chelating agents from our formula. Our stability trials showed a 40% improvement in active retention over 12 months."
– Dr. A.L., Head of Formulation, Derma-Tech Solutions
"We prioritize sustainability, and CD BioGlyco's enzymatic production process fits our 'Green Science' pillar perfectly. The ingredient is exceptionally easy to formulate with, and the skin feel is much smoother than the corn-extracted versions we've tested in the past."
– Director, Product Innovation, Bio-Cosmetic Lab
"The consistency of CD BioGlyco's batches is what keeps us coming back. In global manufacturing, even a small variation in impurity can ruin a multi-ton batch. With CD BioGlyco, we have total peace of mind regarding the 'Glyco-Fingerprint' of every shipment."
– Senior Researcher, Personal Care Division, Global Beauty Corp
Associated Services
Our trehalose production service provides high-purity disaccharide manufacturing for applications in stabilization and sweetening. We extend this expertise in functional carbohydrate synthesis to a broader range of sugar alternatives through our sweetener production service, which includes the production of erythritol, isomaltose, and oligofructose to meet diverse formulation and nutritional requirements.
Erythritol Production Service
Isomaltose Production Service
Oligofructose Production Service
CD BioGlyco is at the forefront of the cosmetic industry's transition to sustainable, high-performance ingredients. Our trehalose production service provides your brand with an ultra-pure, bio-identical protectant that safeguards skin health and formulation integrity. By choosing CD BioGlyco, you are choosing scientific excellence, supply chain security, and the power of synthetic glycobiology to elevate your product range. Ready to redefine your skincare formulations with the power of trehalose? Our team of specialists is ready to assist you with technical specifications, samples, and custom production inquiries. Please contact us!
Reference
Sun, X.; et al. Trehalose production using three extracellular enzymes produced via one-step fermentation of an engineered Bacillus subtilis strain. Bioengineering. 2023, 10(8), 977. (Open Access)
For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.
