抄録
Many organisms are capable of surviving almost complete dehydration by synthesizing large quantities of disaccharide trehalose in cells. Trehalose has no toxicity and is currently being studied for use in processed food, cosmetics, and the storage of internal organs for transplantation. This sugar is a good glass former and has the ability of forming hydrogen bonds with membrane surfaces and proteins. These properties may contribute to the occurrence of the biological function of trehalose as a protectant against desiccation. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of the mechanism of preservation of dried and freeze-dried biomaterials with trehalose.
