With years of research and accumulation, CD BioGlyco provides first-class human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) analysis services for universities, research institutes, and enterprises around the world through various methods.

Structure of Lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT)

The composition of breast milk has been thoroughly researched. HMOs are a group of structurally diverse and variable soluble carbohydrates. They are the third most abundant solid component of mature breast milk, after lactose and lipids. Using modern analytical methods, over 200 HMOs have been identified. These HMOs can be divided into three classes: neutral-core, neutral fucosylated, and acidic sialylated. Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) and LNnT are the two most abundant neutral core HMOs in breast milk.

LNnT is composed of lactose and N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) at the non-reducing end through β1,3 linking and the structure is Galβ1, 4GlcNAcβ1, 3Galβ1, 4Glc. LNT is classified as type I chain oligosaccharides due to the β1,3 linkage at the non-reducing end. In contrast, isomer LNnT of LNT incorporates LacNAc at the non-reducing end and is classified as type II chain. LNnT has received increasing attention as an additive to infant formula.

Fig.1 Structure of LNnT. (CD BioGlyco)

Physiological Properties of LNnT

1) Prebiotic Effect

LNnT is a promising prebiotic that selectively stimulates the proliferation of Bifidobacterium to shape a favorable gut microbiota.

2) Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory

The study found that LNnT not only indirectly affects the infant's immune system by shaping the gut microbiota, but also directly regulates the immune response by affecting different cell populations or modulating inflammatory gene expression.

3) Preventing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

NEC is one of the most serious gastrointestinal disorders occurring in premature infants. It has been reported that LNnT may prevent the cell growth of NEC-associated enterobacterial strains.

4) Antiadhesive Antimicrobials

LNnT can inhibit the adhesion of Streptococcus pneumoniae to human nasopharyngeal epithelial cells, rabbit model lung cells, and otitis media-related serotypes to chinchilla tracheal epithelial cells.

5) Antiviral Activity

HMOs have been extensively evaluated for potential antiviral activity. LNnT suppresses H1N1 influenza viral load.

6) Promoting Maturation of Intestinal Epithelial Cells

LNnT inhibits intestinal cell proliferation, induces cell differentiation, and promotes the maturation of the digestion and absorption process.

Fig.2 Health effects of LNnT. (Zhang, et al., 2022)

LNnT Analysis Service at CD BioGlyco

At CD BioGlyco, we have developed many methods of HMO Profiling such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Mass Spectrometry (MS), and Capillary Electrophoresis (CE). High-performance anion exchange chromatography (HPAEC) with pulsed amperometric detector (PAD) is our most widely used method for HMO analysis. Not only do we measure LNnT in human and animal milk samples by HPAEC-PAD, but also detect biosynthesized LNnT by colorimetry and HPLC-refractive index (RI).

In addition, we also provide diverse HMO products for global clients, including but not limited to:

Advantages of Us

• Various HMO analysis methods
• Analysis of LNnT in human and animal milk samples
• Determination of biosynthesized LNnT
• Professional technical team to track the project throughout the process

CD BioGlyco has several methods to meet your HMO analysis need and provides precise and detailed data and analysis reports. In addition, we also customize new methods for your special samples. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.

Reference:

1. Zhang, P.; et al. Recent advances on lacto-N-neotetraose, a commercially added human milk oligosaccharide in infant formula. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2022, 70(15): 4534-4547.