Sialylactose-N-tetrasaccharide d—the golden sugar chain for early life health CAS: 100789-83-1

Sialylactose-N-tetrasaccharide d (LSTetrasaccharide d) is a key and highly biologically active sialylated structural unit in human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), known as the "golden signaling molecule in early life." It is not only a core functional ingredient in natural human milk that supports the healthy development of infants, but also a high-value raw material that has attracted much attention in the fields of modern nutritional science, high-end infant food and biopharmaceuticals.

Chemical Information

Chemical name: sialyllactose-N-tetrasaccharide d

Common name: LS Tetrasaccharide d, LST d

Chemical formula: C₃₇H₆₂N₂O₂₉

Molecular weight: 998.88 g/mol

CAS number: 100789-83-1

Structural features

LS Tetrasaccharide d belongs to the sialylated human milk oligosaccharide family. The essence of its structure is:

Precise sugar chain structure: It consists of a lactose core (Galβ1-4Glc) and an N-acetyllactosamine (Galβ1-4GlcNAc) unit extending to form a tetrasaccharide skeleton, and is modified by sialic acid (usually N-acetylneuraminic acid, Neu5Ac) at specific positions for α-2,3 or α-2,6 bond connection. This branching and sialylation modification is the structural basis of its biological function.

Key sialic acid cap: The terminal sialic acid residue is negatively charged and can specifically bind to the lectin receptors on the surface of intestinal pathogenic bacteria, viruses or host cells through electrostatic interactions, thereby blocking the attachment of pathogens and acting as a "molecular bait".

Stable glycosidic bonds and conformation: The type and connection sequence of the glycosidic bonds determine the three-dimensional conformation of the oligosaccharide, allowing it to be selectively recognized and utilized by specific intestinal microbial enzymes (such as bifidobacteria glycosidase), or to accurately interact with immune cell surface receptors.

Main applications and advantages

1. Core functional ingredients of high-end infant formula

The gold standard of simulated human milk: Human milk oligosaccharides are the third largest solid component in breast milk after lactose and fat, and are crucial to the growth and development of infants. As an important sialylated member, LS Tetrasaccharide d can be added to infant formula milk powder to significantly narrow the gap in functional ingredients between formula milk and breast milk.

Promote intestinal health and bacterial colonization: This oligosaccharide can be used as a prebiotic to selectively promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the intestine (such as bifidobacteria and lactobacilli), inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, help establish a healthy early intestinal microecology, and reduce the risk of diarrhea and infection.

Supports immune system development: By interacting directly with immune cells or indirectly by regulating intestinal flora, LS Tetrasaccharide d helps balance the baby's immune response, reduce the incidence of allergies and inflammatory diseases, and provide support for the healthy maturation of the immune system.

2. Innovative tools for biomedical research and drug development

Development of anti-infective formulations: Using its properties as receptor analogs, new anti-adhesion therapies or preventive agents against enteric pathogens such as rotavirus, pathogenic Escherichia coli, and Helicobacter pylori can be developed.

Research on neurodevelopment and cognitive function: Sialic acid is an important component of gangliosides and glycoproteins in the brain and is crucial for the formation of neural synapses and the development of cognitive functions. LS Tetrasaccharide d, as a donor of exogenous sialic acid, is an ideal molecular probe for studying the effects of early nutrition on brain development.

Drug delivery and targeting carriers: Its specific sugar chain structure can be used to modify drug nanoparticles or liposomes to achieve targeted delivery to specific intestinal cell types or receptors, improve efficacy and reduce side effects.

3. Potential stars in the field of diagnostics and functional foods

Biomarkers: Alterations in specific sialylated oligosaccharide profiles may be associated with certain intestinal diseases, metabolic diseases, or developmental conditions and may become markers for non-invasive diagnostics in the future.

Functional food additive for all age groups: Based on its universal function of regulating flora and immunity, LS Tetrasaccharide d can be extended to be used in adult intestinal health products, immune-enhancing supplements and special medical foods, and has broad market prospects.

Conclusion

Sialylactose-N-tetrasaccharide d is more than just a sugar compound, it is a key messenger in the programming of health early in life and a sophisticated bridge between nutrition, the microbiome, and the immune system. From reshaping the gold standard of infant and young child nutrition, to opening up new paths for anti-infection and immune regulation, and then as a scientific research tool to explore the mysteries of life, its value is being continuously discovered and recognized.

The above information is provided by the editor of KASONS and is for scientific research only.