L-(-)-Fucose

DescriptionL-(−)-Fucose is a deoxyhexose monosaccharide found on N- and O-linked glycans and glycolipids of a wide variety of organisms. It can exist as a terminal modification of glycan structures or serve as a point of attachment for adding other sugars. In humans, L-(−)-fucose plays a role in A and B blood group antigen substructure determination, selectin-mediated leukocyte-endothelial adhesion, and host-microbe interactions.

OccurrenceL-Fucose exists in nature in various biological niches. A major natural source of L-fucose is the brown algal polysaccharide fucoidan. It is also present in the polysaccharides of tragacanth, potatoes, kiwi, soybeans, varieties of wing peas, canola and other plants.L-Fucose is a minor component in plant cell wall polysaccharides, specifically rhamnogalacturonan, xyloglucan and also arabinogalactan proteins that are involved in plant cell elongation.

UsesL-Fucose was isolated from seaweed. It finds application in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements. It is used in the determination of antigen in A and B blood group. It is also used in the selection-mediated leukocyte-endothelial adhesion and host-microbe interactions. L-Fucose is also used in anti aging creams as well as to promote the accelerated healing of wounds and to reduce allergy.