Trehalose and Trehalose-based Polymers for Environmentally Benign, Biocompatible and Bioactive Materials

Abstract

Trehalose is a non-reducing disaccharide that is found in many organisms but not in mammals. This sugar plays important roles in cryptobiosis of selaginella mosses, tardigrades (water bears), and other animals which revive with water from a state of suspended animation induced by desiccation. The interesting properties of trehalose are due to its unique symmetrical low-energy structure, wherein two glucose units are bonded face-to-face by 1→1-glucoside links. The Hayashibara Co. Ltd., is credited for developing an inexpensive, environmentally benign and industrial-scale process for the enzymatic conversion of α-1,4-linked polyhexoses to α,α-d-trehalose, which made it easy to explore novel food, industrial, and medicinal uses for trehalose and its derivatives. Trehalose-chemistry is a relatively new and emerging field, and polymers of trehalose derivatives appear environmentally benign, biocompatible, and biodegradable. The discriminating properties of trehalose are attributed to its structure, symmetry, solubility, kinetic and thermodynamic stability and versatility. While syntheses of trehalose-based polymer networks can be straightforward, syntheses and characterization of well defined linear polymers with tailored properties using trehalose-based monomers is challenging, and typically involves protection and deprotection of hydroxyl groups to attain desired structural, morphological, biological, and physical and chemical properties in the resulting products. In this review, we will overview known literature on trehalose’s fascinating involvement in cryptobiology; highlight its applications in many fields; and then discuss methods we used to prepare new trehalose-based monomers and polymers and explain their properties.

Trehalose-mediated thermal stabilization of glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger

“…In this regard, it would be interesting to test the use of trehalose in combination with some of the most successful entrapment methods, e.g. the synthesis of trehalose-based polymers, where the trehalose molecules are covalently linked to the matrix to provide to the entrapped enzyme the stability required for its use under harsh conditions and/or during long term storage (Teramoto et al, 2008).…”

Staying alive

“…109 Trehalose may also facilitate desiccation and protect cells during freezing, because it is less likely to form crystals and can, instead, take-on a gel-like consistency. 108,110 Trehalose may also stabilize lipid membranes upon desiccation, possibly by replacing water and hydrogen bonding with polar groups on membrane lipids and proteins. 108,111 Finally, trehalose has been reported to function as a chemical chaperone and thereby facilitate protein folding.…”

Biopolymers for sample collection, protection, and preservation

“…Trehalose exists naturally in plants, animals, and microorganisms and has long been consumed by humans as a component of mushrooms, baker's and brewer's yeasts, seaweeds and such invertebrates as lobsters. Trehalose plays a vital role in the preservation of biomembranes and the revival of certain biological functions following desiccation or freezing (Teramoto et al 2008).…”