L-Fucose [3811-45-6]

L-fucose is a 6-deoxyhexose with an L-configuration—a type of monosaccharide incorporated into a wide range of glycoprotein and glycolipid structures. Its primary uses in cell culture media relate to three key functions:

Supporting proper glycosylation of recombinant proteins. Fucosylation (the addition of fucose to oligosaccharide chains) is essential for the biological activity of monoclonal antibodies and other therapeutic glycoproteins.
Enhancing physiological cell interactions. In mammalian cell lines such as CHO (Chinese Hamster Ovary) cells, L-fucose improves cell adhesion and differentiation.
Enabling biomarker research and production. In diagnostic applications, L-fucose is used to investigate fucosylated structures associated with cancer and inflammatory diseases.