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Product name: 2'-Fucosyllactose
Synonym name: 2'FL;2'-FL HMOs；2'-O-Fucosyllactose
Catalogue No.: BP5160
Cas No.: 41263-94-9
Formula: C18H32O15
Mol Weight: 488.439
Botanical Source:
Type of Compound:
Purity: 95%~99%
Analysis Method: HPLC-DAD or/and HPLC-ELSD
Identification Method: Mass, NMR
Packing: Brown vial or HDPE plastic bottle
Storage: Store in a well closed container, protected from air and light. Put into refrigerate or freeze for long term storage.
Whenever possible, you should prepare and use solutions on the same day. However, if you need to make up stock solutions in advance, we recommend that you store the solution as aliquots in tightly sealed vials at -20℃. Generally, these will be useable for up to two weeks.
The product could be supplied from milligrams to grams
Inquire for bulk scale.
For Reference Standard and R&D, Not for Human Use Directly.
HPLC of 2'-Fucosyllactose
HNMR of 2'-Fucosyllactose
Storage conditions：Short-term storage at 2~8℃, long-term storage at -20 ~ -80℃
256.2900
-2.8992
-2.8987
191.8925
.3748
.0935
Low
13.4371
5.0213
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
0.0
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
2'-Fucosyllactose (2'-FL) is a naturally occurring oligosaccharide and one of the most abundant components in the human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) family. Since its first identification at the end of the 20th century, 2'-FL has gradually become a research hotspot in the fields of natural product pharmacology and nutritional science due to its unique biological functions and broad application potential. 2'-FL is mainly found in breast milk, especially abundant in the breast milk of premature and full-term infants, demonstrating its important role in neonatal immune regulation, gut microecological balance, and neurodevelopment. With advances in biosynthesis technology, industrial production of 2'-FL has gradually been realized, driving its application in infant formula, functional foods, and drug development.
This paper aims to systematically review the chemical structure and physicochemical properties, natural sources and extraction methods, pharmacological activity and mechanism of action of 2'-fucosyllactose, druggability evaluation, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and clinical application prospects, aiming to provide comprehensive reference materials for researchers in related fields and promote in-depth research and application of 2'-FL in the pharmacology and clinical translation of natural products.
The molecular formula of 2'-fucosyllactose is C24H42O21, with a molecular weight of 488.4390 Da. Its structure consists of a lactose molecule (galactose-glucodisane) connected to a fucose residue via α-1,2 glycosidic bonds. Specifically, fucose is linked to the 2' hydroxyl group of the galactose unit of lactose by a α-1,2 bond, forming a unique trisaccharide structure.
In terms of physicochemical properties, 2'-FL exhibits high hydrophilicity, with a LogP value of -2.8992, indicating extremely low hydrophobicity and high solubility in water (water solubility about 191.8925 mg/mL), which is closely related to its multihydroxyl structure. Its topological polar surface area (TPSA) reaches up to 256.29 Ų, reflecting its extremely strong polarity and hydrogen bond donor/acceptor capacity. Due to its large molecular weight and strong polarity, 2'-FL has low blood-brain barrier permeability, limiting its direct action in the central nervous system. Pharmacological safety evaluations showed that 2'-FL does not have hERG channel inhibitory activity, and the Ames-induced mutagenic test result was zero, indicating that its genotoxicity risk is extremely low and it has a solid safety foundation.
Although 2'-FL mainly exists in breast milk as human milk oligosaccharides, it is not directly derived from plants. Traditionally, 2'-FL is not extracted from plants but obtained through biosynthetic technology. Early research relied on isolation and purification from breast milk, but due to limited amounts and high costs, it was difficult to meet industrial demand.
Modern production mainly relies on microbial fermentation technology, especially the metabolic engineering modification of genetically engineered E. coli and yeast. By introducing genes related to fucose synthesis (such as GDP-fucose synthase, fucoidyl transferase, etc.), efficient 2'-FL biosynthesis is achieved. The fermentation products undergo purification steps such as membrane filtration and chromatographic separation to obtain high-purity 2'-FL products.
In addition, chemical synthesis methods have also been reported, but due to complex steps, low yields, and high costs, they have not been widely adopted. Future optimization strategies based on synthetic biology are expected to further improve the production efficiency and cost-effectiveness of 2'-FL.
2'-fucosyllactose, as a representative component of human milk oligosaccharides, exhibits a wide range of biological activities, covering areas such as immune regulation, anti-infection, gut health maintenance, and neurodevelopmental promotion.
Numerous in vitro and animal studies have shown that 2'-FL can regulate immune system function. By promoting the proliferation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), modulating macrophage and dendritic cell activity, it enhances the host's anti-inflammatory response and reduces the risk of excessive immune activation. Additionally, 2'-FL can induce the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (such as IL-10), inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory factors (such as TNF-α, IL-6), and regulate immune homeostasis.
2'-FL has significant antimicrobial activity. Its structure mimics the glycans on the surface of host cells, allowing it to act as a receptor-competitive binder for pathogens such as rotavirus, E. coli, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, blocking pathogen adhesion and invasion, thereby reducing the risk of infection. Research shows that 2'-FL inhibits both respiratory and intestinal pathogens, demonstrating broad-spectrum anti-infective potential.
2'-FL, as a prebiotic, promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria such as bifidobacteria, improves gut microbiota structure, and enhances intestinal barrier function. By regulating the intestinal environment, it reduces the colonization of harmful bacteria, lowers intestinal inflammatory responses, and maintains intestinal homeostasis. In animal models, 2'-FL supplementation significantly improved intestinal permeability and alleviated symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Although the 2'-FL blood-brain barrier has low permeability, studies have found that it influences neural development by modulating the gut-brain axis. 2'-FL can promote the expression of nerve growth factors, enhance neuronal synaptic plasticity, and improve cognitive function and behavioral performance. Clinical studies of infant supplementation with 2'-FL have also shown positive effects on cognitive development.
The multiple biological effects of 2'-FL stem from their interactions with various molecular targets, mainly including the following aspects:
Fucose residues in the 2'-FL structure mimic the fucose chains on the host cell surface, capable of binding to pathogen-specific binding proteins (such as rotavirus VP8* protein and pneumococcal surface adhesion proteins), blocking pathogen adhesion and preventing infection.
2'-FL regulates the functions of dendritic cells and macrophages by binding to C-type lectin receptors on the surface of immune cells (such as DC-SIGN), promoting regulation of anti-inflammatory signaling pathways (such as NF-κB, MAPK), and inducing immune tolerance.
2'-FL promotes the expression of tight junction proteins (such as Occludin, Claudin-1) in intestinal epithelial cells, enhancing intestinal barrier integrity. By regulating Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling, it reduces the release of inflammatory mediators and alleviates intestinal inflammation.
2'-FL indirectly affects central nervous system function by regulating the gut microbiome and its metabolites (such as short-chain fatty acids), promoting neural development and cognitive improvement.
Druggability evaluation of 2'-FL shows good safety and biocompatibility. Its large molecular weight and strong polarity limit oral absorption, and the blood-brain barrier permeability is low, restricting its systemic distribution and direct central nervous system effects.
Pharmacokinetic studies show that oral 2'-FL mainly acts in the intestines, partially utilized by the gut microbiota, with small amounts absorbed through the intestines entering the bloodstream and then excreted by the kidneys. It has a relatively short half-life and no significant accumulation risk. 2'-FL does not inhibit hERG ion channels and is non-mutagenic, demonstrating a solid safety foundation.
Currently, 2'-FL is mainly used as a dietary supplement and functional food ingredient, with no clear cases of systemic drug development. In the future, structural modification or delivery system optimization is expected to expand its pharmacokinetic performance and enhance clinical application potential.
2'-fucosyllactose, as a representative of human milk oligosaccharides, has received widespread attention in the field of infant nutrition. As a formula milk powder additive, it can mimic the naturally occurring bioactive components found in breast milk, promoting immune development, gut health, and cognitive function enhancement in infants and young children, and has significant clinical value.
Moreover, the potential of 2'-FL in the adult health sector is gradually emerging. Research shows that 2'-FL may help prevent respiratory infections, improve inflammatory intestinal diseases (such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome), and regulate immune function. It is safe and suitable for long-term supplementation.
In the future, precision drug development based on 2'-FL will focus on the following directions:
With the advancement of biotechnology and clinical research, 2'-FL is expected to become a key star in the field of natural product pharmacology, driving the transformation of natural products into modern medicines.
2'-fucosyllactose, as a uniquely structurally and functionally versatile human lactosaccharide, demonstrates abundant pharmacological activity and good safety. Its mechanisms of action in immune regulation, anti-infection, gut health, and neurodevelopment have gradually become clearer, making it a model for pharmacological research of natural products. Although it is currently mainly used in the field of nutritional supplementation, as production processes mature and pharmacological research deepens, the potential of 2'-FL in disease prevention and treatment is becoming increasingly prominent.
Future research should further focus on precise identification of molecular targets, optimization and improvement of pharmacokinetics, and systematic evaluation of clinical efficacy, to promote the transformation of 2'-FL from a functional food ingredient into an innovative drug. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, 2'-FL is expected to play a greater role in natural product pharmacology and clinical medicine, benefiting human health.
Shenshuai
Wenjing
Hedandan
