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Updated: Aug 29, 2025
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Analysis of Fucosylated Human Milk Trisaccharides in Biotechnological Context Using Genetically Encoded Biosensors
Published on: April 13, 2019
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Recent advances on human milk oligosaccharide antimicrobial activity
Sabrina K Spicer1, Jennifer A Gaddy1, Steven D Townsend1
1Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, United States.
Current Opinion in Chemical Biology
|September 5, 2022
Summary
Human breast milk, particularly human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), shows antimicrobial properties against various pathogens. This review highlights HMOs as a promising alternative to combat evolving antimicrobial resistance for improved human health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- The rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health.
- Conventional antibiotics are facing challenges due to evolving bacterial resistance.
- There is a critical need for novel strategies to combat bacterial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the antimicrobial properties of human breast milk.
- To emphasize the role of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) in combating pathogens.
- To explore HMOs as an alternative to traditional antimicrobial agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on human breast milk's antimicrobial effects.
- Analysis of research focusing on human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs).
- Examination of studies involving gram-negative and gram-positive pathogens.
Main Results:
- Human breast milk exhibits significant antimicrobial activity.
- Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) demonstrate efficacy against a range of bacteria.
- HMOs show potential in preventing pathogen colonization and promoting gut health.
Conclusions:
- Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) represent a promising natural antimicrobial strategy.
- HMOs can be utilized to promote human health and wellness, offering an alternative to antibiotics.
- Further research into HMOs could lead to new therapeutic applications against resistant bacteria.
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