2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL) CAS 41263-94-9

2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL) – Human Milk Oligosaccharide for Infant Nutrition and Health

Basic Information

• CAS Number: 41263-94-9

• Chemical Name: 2'-Fucosyl-D-lactose

• Molecular Formula: C₁₈H₃₂O₁₅

• Molecular Weight: 488.44 g/mol

• Purity: >98%

• Appearance: White to off-white powder

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water

Overview
2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL) is the most abundant oligosaccharide naturally found in human breast milk, accounting for approximately 30% of all human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). It is a fucosylated neutral trisaccharide composed of L-fucose, D-galactose, and D-glucose. As a key bioactive component of breast milk, 2'-FL supports infant health through multiple mechanisms, including prebiotic activity, immune modulation, and protection against pathogens.

Biological Activities and Benefits

• Prebiotic effect: Promotes the growth of beneficial gut microbiota (e.g., Bifidobacteria) while inhibiting pathogenic bacteria.

• Immune modulation: Regulates innate immune responses and reduces excessive inflammation.

• Anti-infection: Prevents adhesion of pathogens (e.g., enteropathogenic E. coli, Campylobacter) to intestinal epithelial cells.

• Brain development: Contributes to early neurodevelopment and cognitive function.

• Reduces necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC): Lowers the risk of NEC in preterm infants.

• Weight regulation: High levels of 2'-FL in breast milk are associated with healthy weight gain patterns in exclusively breastfed infants (0–5 months).

Applications

• Infant formula: Added as a functional ingredient to mimic the benefits of breast milk.

• Functional foods and supplements: Used in products targeting gut health, immunity, and digestive wellness.

• Research: Serves as a substrate for fucosidase identification, biosensor development, and studies on IL-8 receptor specificity.

• Pharmaceuticals: Investigated for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

Substrate and Research Applications
2'-FL is also used as a substrate for identifying, differentiating, and characterizing fucosidases. It plays a role in developing biosensors for recognizing anti-infective oligosaccharides and differentiating IL-8 receptor specificity and function.

Safety and Handling

• Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in infant formula and food products.

• Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from light and moisture.

• Keep containers tightly sealed to prevent contamination.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles) when handling.

Packaging
Available in various sizes (e.g., 1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg bags or drums). Custom packaging upon request.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for purity (by HPLC), moisture content, and endotoxin levels to ensure compliance with food and pharmaceutical standards.