Introduction
2-Deoxy-D-ribose powder(CAS 533-67-5) is a fundamental biological sugar that plays a vital role in the architecture of life itself. As a key component of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), it forms the structural backbone that stores and transmits genetic information across all living organisms. Beyond its molecular importance, this specialized sugar also participates in cellular energy metabolism, making it essential for both genetic stability and biological function.
In recent years, 2-deoxy-D-ribose has attracted growing attention from researchers, pharmaceutical developers, and cosmetic formulators. Studies have revealed its potential applications in wound healing, tissue regeneration, anti-aging research, and even hair growth enhancement. These discoveries have expanded their relevance far beyond traditional molecular biology, opening new commercial and therapeutic opportunities. This article helps us understand its chemical properties, production process, and functional advantages
What Is 2-Deoxy-D-Ribose Powder?
Overview
2-Deoxy-D-ribose powder is a vital pentose sugar that serves as a fundamental building block of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), making it one of the most crucial biological molecules for life itself. This specialized sugar derivative plays an indispensable role in genetic information storage and cellular energy metabolism, positioning it as a compound of exceptional scientific and commercial importance.
Basic Information
- Chemical name: 2-deoxy-D-ribose,
- CAS number：533-67-5.
- Molecular formula: C ₅ H ₁ ₀ O ₄,
- The molecular weight is 134.13.
- Appearance: Usually white or off white powder.
- Crystalline appearance: Typically present as white to off-white crystalline solids, depending on purity and drying conditions.
- Hygroscopic nature: Like many sugars, it can absorb moisture from the atmosphere, influencing handling and storage.
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water due to multiple hydroxyl groups that form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. Limited solubility in nonpolar organic solvents; practical applications favor aqueous formulations.
Biological Role of 2-Deoxy-D-Ribose(CAS 533-67-5)
Role of the sugar backbone in the DNA structure
The most important function of deoxyribose is to serve as the sugar backbone of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In DNA molecules, each nucleotide contains a phosphate group, a nitrogen-containing base, and a deoxyribose molecule. These deoxyribose molecules are linked together by phosphate groups, forming a stable sugar phosphate backbone with a double helix structure. It is this structure that carries and protects the genetic information of all living organisms.
Function in cellular energy metabolism and ATP production
Although deoxyribose is not the primary source of energy, it plays an indirect yet crucial role in cellular energy metabolism. Deoxyribose is one of the precursor substances for the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP drives almost all life activities. Therefore, as a key component in constructing ATP molecules (more precisely, the adenosine moiety), deoxyribose is crucial for maintaining efficient energy production and transfer.
Contribution to antioxidant protection and oxidative stress reduction
Deoxyribose is also related to the antioxidant protection mechanism of cells. It participates in certain metabolic pathways and helps regulate the redox balance within cells. By promoting the synthesis or utilization of certain molecules with antioxidant capacity, such as precursors of glutathione, deoxyribose can help cells resist the invasion of free radicals, reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress to cell structure and genetic material, and thus support the overall health and survival of cells
Production and Sources
2-Deoxy-D-ribose is predominantly produced via controlled laboratory synthesis or biotechnological routes in industrial settings. The natural occurrence is limited, making synthetic production the primary source for high-purity materials used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and research applications.
Production pathways
Chemical synthesis: Typically involves the selective construction of the five-carbon deoxyribose framework through stereocontrolled carbohydrate chemistry, followed by purification to achieve pharmaceutical-grade purity.
Enzymatic and biocatalytic methods: Some manufacturers employ enzymatic steps to improve stereochemical accuracy and yield, often at pilot or commercial scales.
Purification steps: Crystallization, filtration, and drying are used to achieve a defined particle size and moisture content. Additional purification may include chromatography or distillation as needed to meet impurity specifications.
Quality control and specifications
Purity and identity: Confirmed by analytical techniques such as HPLC, NMR, and FTIR to verify structure and purity levels typical for pharmaceutical-grade materials.
Impurity profiling: Comprehensive testing for inorganic and organic impurities, residual solvents, water content, and potential degradation products.
Physical properties: Documentation of particle size distribution (if provided as powder), moisture content, and appearance to ensure batch-to-batch consistency.
Stability: Stability studies under recommended storage conditions to establish shelf-life and packaging suitability.
Applications of 2-Deoxy-D-Ribose Powder(CAS 533-67-5)
Research and laboratory use
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DNA synthesis studies: Used as a precursor or component in nucleotide biosynthesis workflows and in vitro replication assays to model deoxyribonucleotide pools.
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Enzymatic assays: Provide substrate material for studying kinases, polymerases, and glycosyltransferases involved in nucleotide metabolism and DNA repair pathways.
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Structural biology: Supports studies that require deoxyribose-containing substrates or analogs to probe nucleic acid conformations, ligand binding, and enzyme mechanisms.
Pharmaceutical applications
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Cellular regeneration: Investigated as part of broader metabolic support strategies that promote cell proliferation and tissue repair in preclinical models.
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Neuroprotection: Explored for potential roles in maintaining nucleotide pools and energy balance in neuronal cells under stress.
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Metabolic enhancement: Used in formulation studies aiming to optimize nucleotide turnover and energy homeostasis in targeted therapies.
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Anti-aging: Examined within research programs assessing DNA repair capacity, genomic stability, and cellular resilience as part of aging interventions.
Medical therapeutics
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Tissue repair: Utilized in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research to support DNA repair processes and cellular energy during healing.
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Regenerative medicine: Integrated into studies of scaffold design, bioactive formulations, and delivery systems that aim to improve repair outcomes.
Wound Healing and Angiogenesis
Clinical and preclinical studies indicate that 2-deoxy-D-ribose can significantly accelerate wound healing and support tissue regeneration. When applied topically or incorporated into wound-care formulations, 2-deoxy-D-ribose has been shown to shorten wound-closure time, increase collagen deposition, and promote the formation of new microvessels (angiogenesis) in the wound bed. These effects improve tissue oxygenation and nutrient delivery, which together enhance repair processes and reduce the risk of chronic, non-healing wounds.
Mechanistically, 2-deoxy-D-ribose appears to support key stages of regeneration by stimulating fibroblast activity and extracellular matrix synthesis, while also creating a microenvironment favorable for endothelial cell migration and capillary sprouting. The compound’s antioxidant properties may further protect regenerating tissues from oxidative stress, allowing more efficient remodeling and stronger healed tissue.
Because of these combined activities—faster closure, stronger collagen matrix, and enhanced neovascularization—2-deoxy-D-ribose is an attractive active for advanced wound-care products, tissue-engineering scaffolds, and topical therapeutics aimed at improving healing outcomes.
Hair Growth Benefits of 2-Deoxy-D-Ribose
2-deoxy-D-ribose has significant cosmetic potential in the field of scalp and hair care, and its benefits mainly come from comprehensive support for hair follicle cell metabolism and vitality. Hair follicles are highly active tissues, and deoxyribose, as a key precursor of DNA and ATP, can directly stimulate the metabolic activity of hair follicle cells, providing sufficient energy and a genetic material basis for their rapid division and growth. This mechanism of action helps to prolong the growth period of hair, reduce abnormal shedding, and promote healthier and stronger new hair growth.
In addition, 2-deoxy-D-ribose is crucial for maintaining a healthy scalp environment. It strengthens the connective tissue around hair follicles and enhances their stability in the scalp by supporting the synthesis of collagen. At the same time, by optimizing cellular function, it also helps improve the microcirculation of the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles can continuously receive sufficient oxygen and nutrient supply, which is the foundation for achieving sustainable hair growth.
2-deoxy-D-ribose supports the healthy production of keratinocytes, enhances hair growth, and improves hair quality through multiple functions at the cellular metabolic level. This makes it an ideal active ingredient in new anti-hair loss and hair growth products, providing consumers with an effective way to solve hair growth problems at the molecular level.
Quality Considerations When You Buy 2-Deoxy-D-ribose Powder(CAS 533-67-5)
When sourcing 2-deoxy-d-ribose powder for commercial applications, several quality factors are critical:
Purity Standards
- Minimum 98% purity for research applications
- Pharmaceutical grade for medical uses
- Cosmetic grade for hair and skincare products
Analytical Specifications
- HPLC verification of chemical structure
- Moisture content analysis
- Heavy metals testing
- Microbiological screening
Runtai Chemical maintains comprehensive quality control systems to ensure that customers receive consistent, high-quality 2-deoxy-d-ribose powder that meets their specific application requirements.
Market Trends and Future Outlook
Global interest in 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) is expanding across biotech, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and medical device sectors. Demand is driven by its role as a nucleotide precursor, its emerging utility in wound healing and tissue regeneration, and growing exploration of cosmetic applications such as scalp and hair-care formulations. Market analyses consistently indicate a trajectory toward greater adoption in research, manufacturing, and regulated product development, with emphasis on purity, traceability, and formulation versatility guiding supplier selection.
Conclusion
FAQs About 2-Deoxy-D-Ribose
1. What is the difference between ribose and 2-deoxy-D-ribose?
The main difference lies in their molecular structure — 2-deoxy-D-ribose lacks one hydroxyl (-OH) group at the 2′ carbon position compared to ribose. This small change makes DNA more chemically stable than RNA, where ribose is found. In short, ribose forms part of RNA, while 2-deoxy-D-ribose is the sugar backbone of DNA.
2. Is 2-deoxy-D-ribose safe for use in cosmetics?
Yes. 2-deoxy-D-ribose is considered safe for cosmetic use when formulated at appropriate concentrations. It supports cellular energy production, skin regeneration, and antioxidant defense, making it suitable for applications such as wound repair and hair growth formulations.
3. What is the shelf life of 2-deoxy-D-ribose powder?
Under proper storage conditions — cool, dry, and away from direct light — 2-deoxy-D-ribose powder typically has a shelf life of 24 months. Always store it in tightly sealed containers to prevent moisture absorption and degradation.
4. Can 2-deoxy-D-ribose be used in combination with other active ingredients in hair care?
Absolutely. 2-deoxy-D-ribose can be synergistically combined with ingredients such as biotin, panthenol, peptides, and plant extracts to enhance hair follicle vitality, scalp circulation, and keratin production. This combination supports healthier, denser, and stronger hair growth.
5. How is 2-deoxy-D-ribose produced commercially?
Commercial 2-deoxy-D-ribose is produced through stereoselective chemical synthesis in controlled laboratory environments. This process ensures high purity (≥98%), followed by crystallization and quality testing for chemical identity, heavy metals, and microbiological safety. Suppliers like Runtai Chemical utilize advanced synthesis and strict quality control systems to deliver consistent, research-grade products worldwide.
