Oligosaccharides

Gangliotetraose (Galβ1,3GalNAcβ1,4Galβ1,4Glc) is the core tetrasaccharide found in many gangliosides, such as, GM1 (Ledeen, 2009). Gangliosides containing gangliotetraose are abundant in mammalian brains, where they can cover 10%–20% of the total ganglioside mixture. They are found in epithelial membranes and are key elements for bacterial toxicity and viral infection, for example, it is the intestinal receptor for cholera toxin, the B-subunits of heat-labile toxin, rotavirus, and simian virus 40. They can function as neurotrophic and neuroprotective compounds, and have been used therapeutically for diabetic and peripheral neuropathies. They bind amyloid-β proteins and are involved in Alzheimer’s pathogenesis (Chiricozzi, 2020).

Bulk sweetener; viscosity/bodying agent; humectant; cryoprotectant

Melezitose is a non-reducing trisaccharide that is produced by many plant sap-consuming insects, such as aphids (e.g. Cinara pilicornis).  Melezitose is a component of honeydew which acts as an attractant for ants and also as food for bees. Partial hydrolysis of melizitose releases glucose and turanose, an isomer of sucrose.

Neutral pentasaccharide naturally present in human breast milk

A2F N-Glycan is an oligosaccharide that is found in the human body. It is a glycan that has been shown to be involved in a number of biological processes, including effector functions, site specific recognition, diagnosis, and biopharmaceutical production. A2F N-glycan has also been shown to have potential as a biomarker for autoimmune diseases and cancer. The A2F N-glycan profile may differ between patients with different cancers or autoimmune disorders. This difference in the A2F N-glycan profile may contribute to the development of personalized medicine by helping to diagnose these conditions and predict their prognosis.