3’-Fucosyllactose (3’-FL)

Product Description

3’-Fucosyllactose (3’-FL) is a naturally occurring fucosylated trisaccharide human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) composed of L-fucose linked to lactose through an α1-3 glycosidic bond. This oligosaccharide consists of L-fucose, galactose, and glucose residues, forming a key component of the complex glycan structures found in human breast milk.

Human milk oligosaccharides play a vital role in infant nutrition, immune system development, and gut microbiota modulation. Among these, 3’-Fucosyllactose is one of the most abundant fucosylated HMOs, making it an important molecule for studying carbohydrate-mediated biological processes.

Due to its structural and biological significance, 3’-FL is widely used in glycobiology, microbiome research, and carbohydrate chemistry. Researchers use this compound to investigate host–microbe interactions, glycan recognition mechanisms, and glycosylation pathways. It also serves as a valuable reference standard and research reagent in studies related to human milk oligosaccharides and functional glycans.

Structural Information

3’-Fucosyllactose is composed of a lactose core (galactose linked to glucose) with an additional L-fucose residue attached via an α1-3 linkage to the galactose unit. This specific structure contributes to its biological functions in microbial metabolism and glycan-mediated interactions.

The presence of fucosylated glycans like 3’-FL is known to influence microbial colonization in the infant gut, particularly supporting beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium species.

Key Features

• Naturally occurring human milk oligosaccharide (HMO)
• Fucosylated trisaccharide derived from lactose
• Suitable for glycobiology and microbiome research
• Useful as a reference standard in glycan analysis
• Available in gram to kilogram scale

Applications

Human Milk Oligosaccharide Research

3’-FL is widely studied as an important component of human milk glycans, helping researchers understand the biological roles of HMOs in infant development.

Microbiome and Gut Health Studies

This oligosaccharide serves as a substrate for beneficial gut microbes and is used to study host–microbiota interactions and microbial metabolism.

Glycobiology and Glycan Recognition Studies

3’-FL is used to investigate carbohydrate–protein interactions, including studies involving lectins and glycan-binding proteins.

Analytical and Reference Standard

Frequently used as a reference compound in glycan profiling, chromatography, and mass spectrometry analysis.

Physical Appearance

Typically supplied as a white to off-white powder suitable for biochemical and analytical applications.

Storage Conditions

• Store at −20 °C for long-term stability
• Keep the product dry and tightly sealed
• Protect from moisture and contamination