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Manno-oligosaccharides as a promising antimicrobial strategy: pathogen inhibition and synergistic effects with

Rachel E Asbury1,2, Bradley A Saville1

  • 1Bioprocess and Enzyme Technology Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|April 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Manno-oligosaccharides (MOS) show potential as an alternative to antibiotics by inhibiting bacterial growth and enhancing antibiotic effectiveness. Their structure influences anti-bacterial properties, offering a promising strategy against infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Rising antimicrobial resistance necessitates novel therapeutic strategies beyond traditional antibiotics.
  • Pathogenic bacterial infections present a significant global health challenge for humans and animals.
  • Manno-oligosaccharides (MOS) demonstrate pathogen-binding capabilities, preventing bacterial adhesion to host epithelial cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of various beta-manno-oligosaccharide (β-MOS) products in inhibiting the growth of key bacterial pathogens.
  • To evaluate the synergistic effects of β-MOS in potentiating the effectiveness of existing antibiotics.
  • To elucidate the role of carbohydrate structure in the antimicrobial activity of MOS.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro testing of β-MOS products against *Escherichia coli*, *Klebsiella pneumoniae*, *Listeria monocytogenes*, and *Streptococcus mutans*.
  • Assessment of bacterial growth inhibition zones and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in the presence of β-MOS.
  • Evaluation of antibiotic potentiation by β-MOS using standard antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods.

Main Results:

  • Distinct inhibition profiles were observed for each bacterial strain, varying with β-MOS structure.
  • Certain β-MOS formulations significantly inhibited the growth of tested pathogenic bacteria.
  • Synergistic effects were noted, with MOS potentiating antibiotic efficacy, exemplified by ceftazidime against *K. pneumoniae*.

Conclusions:

  • The structural characteristics of non-digestible oligosaccharides like MOS are critical determinants of their anti-bacterial properties.
  • MOS represents a promising alternative and adjunct therapeutic strategy for managing bacterial infections, particularly in the context of antimicrobial resistance.
  • Further research into specific β-MOS structures could optimize their application in combating bacterial pathogens.
Keywords:
antibiotic potentiationantimicrobial resistancecarbohydrate structure–functionmanno-oligosaccharidespathogens

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