D-Galactose丨CAS 10257-28-0

D-Galactose丨CAS 10257-28-0 is a naturally occurring monosaccharide sugar, classified as a hexose and an aldohexose due to the presence of six carbon atoms and an aldehyde group. It is an important sugar in biology, nutrition, and industrial applications. It is an epimer of glucose, differing only in the orientation of the hydroxyl group on carbon 4.

Applications

1. Food and Beverage Industry

D-Galactose丨CAS 10257-28-0 is widely used as a:

Sweetener and functional carbohydrate in food formulations.

Ingredient in dairy products, because it is a component of lactose, the primary sugar in milk.

Added in some infant formulas and nutritional supplements to mimic human milk sugar composition.

Used in the manufacture of prebiotic oligosaccharides such as galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), which promote gut health.

2. Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Industry

D-Galactose is used in the synthesis of glycoproteins and glycolipids which have roles in cell recognition and signaling.

It serves as a building block for vaccines and drug delivery systems that target specific cell receptors.

Galactose derivatives are involved in the development of anticancer and antiviral agents.

Used in biomedical research for studying carbohydrate metabolism and disorders such as galactosemia.

3. Biotechnology and Microbial Fermentation

As a carbon source in microbial culture media, it supports growth and production of biochemicals.

Used in the enzymatic synthesis of complex oligosaccharides and glycosylated molecules.

Supports the production of biofuels and bioplastics via fermentation processes.

4. Cosmetic Industry

Galactose derivatives are incorporated into skin care products for their hydrating and anti-aging properties.

They improve skin barrier function and promote cellular renewal.

Also used as part of moisturizing agents in formulations.

5. Research and Diagnostic Use

Employed as a biochemical tool to study carbohydrate metabolism and energy pathways.

Used in diagnostic assays for enzyme activity related to galactose metabolism.

Helps in studying age-related diseases since chronic D-galactose exposure in animal models induces oxidative stress and aging symptoms.

Benefits

1. Essential Nutrient Component

D-Galactose丨CAS 10257-28-0 is vital for the synthesis of glycoconjugates-glycoproteins, glycolipids, and proteoglycans-that participate in cell communication, immune response, and development.

It supports brain function and cell membrane integrity through its role in biomolecule synthesis.

2. Prebiotic Effects

As a building block of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), it contributes to promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.

Enhances gut microbiota balance and improves digestive health.

3. Skin Health

Galactose-containing compounds in cosmetics can help maintain skin hydration and elasticity.

Their antioxidant properties combat free radicals, slowing skin aging.

4. Biochemical Research and Disease Modeling

D-Galactose-induced aging models in animals help understand oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurodegeneration.

Provides insights for anti-aging therapies and neuroprotective drugs.

5. Metabolic and Cellular Energy Support

As a monosaccharide, D-Galactose can be metabolized to provide energy.

Converted in the liver to glucose derivatives that enter glycolysis and energy-producing pathways.

Summary

D-Galactose丨CAS 10257-28-0 is a multifunctional sugar with important roles across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and research fields. It is crucial for nutrition as part of lactose, serves as a precursor for biologically important glycoconjugates, and supports gut and skin health. Its use in research continues to illuminate pathways of aging and metabolism, while industrially it helps produce valuable biomolecules and bioproducts.