Glycoproteins
Other names: Glycoproteins
Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)
Glycoproteins are biochemically important substances that play a key role in many biological processes in the body. They are molecules composed of proteins and sugar units. The latter are key to many of the functions of glycoproteins, such as the ability to recognize and bind specific molecules. Another important aspect is that the sugar units of glycoproteins are able to influence their structure and thus their function.
In terms of industrial applications, glycoproteins are found, for example, in the pharmaceutical industry. They are used in the development of new drugs, especially for diseases such as cancer or autoimmune diseases. They are also an important component in the production of vaccines, where the sugar units on the surface of glycoproteins enable the immune system to be activated and subsequently react to the disease. In the food industry, they are applied in various food supplements and special diets. In the cosmetic industry, they are used for the production of creams, serums and masks, where they have moisturizing and emollient effects.