Glycogen

Glycogen (CAS 9005-79-2, EC 232-683-8) is a branched polysaccharide composed of glucose units linked primarily by alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds with alpha-1,6 branches. Also known as animal starch, liver starch, or lyoglycogen, it serves as the primary short-term glucose storage polymer in animal tissue and certain plant sources such as sweet corn, where it is termed phytoglycogen.

In pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, glycogen functions as a humectant by binding water molecules within the skin matrix, reducing transepidermal moisture loss. Biotechnology applications use it as a carrier or cryoprotectant in cell culture media, where its branched structure supports controlled glucose release. Food-grade material is evaluated for use in nutritional research and specialty dietary products.

Glycogen is available in powder form sourced from oyster, rabbit liver, or corn, with grades conforming to Ph.Eur. and FCC specifications depending on application. It falls under REACH registration requirements within the EU. Packaging is typically supplied in small research quantities up to multi-kilogram lots under controlled storage conditions.