Isomaltooligosaccharides

In today's fast-moving landscape of functional foods, few ingredients bridge the gap between scientific rigor and consumer demand as elegantly as isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs). These α-(1,6)-linked glucose oligosaccharides offer more than prebiotic potential—they exemplify the power of enzymatic design and microbial biosynthesis. At Creative Biolabs, with over 20 years of hands-on experience in carbohydrate biology, we're not just following the trend—we're helping shape it. Our tailored custom oligosaccharide synthesis services and robust IMO analysis platforms are designed to support every step of your research, from strain engineering to purity validation.

What Are Isomaltooligosaccharides?

IMOs are composed of 2 to 10 glucose units, primarily joined by α-(1,6)-glycosidic bonds—a feature that makes them structurally and functionally distinct from more familiar oligosaccharides like FOS or GOS. Key components such as isomaltose (DP2) and panose (DP3) resist digestion in the upper GI tract, instead serving as fermentable substrates for beneficial gut microbiota.

From Starch to IMO: Biosynthesis of IMOs

The biosynthesis of IMOs is a choreography of enzymatic transformations:

1. Liquefaction: Starch is gelatinized and broken down by α-amylase.
2. Saccharification: Glucoamylase releases glucose and maltose.
3. Transglycosylation: Transglucosidase (TGase) creates new α-(1,6)-bonds, shifting the structure toward IMOs.

After enzymatic synthesis, IMOs are purified through activated carbon, ion-exchange resins, and vacuum concentration, yielding a clean syrup suitable for food-grade applications.

Tailored Tools for IMO Characterization

Thorough analytical profiling is key to understanding IMO functionality. At Creative Biolabs, we offer high-resolution analytical tools to guide and validate your process:

Isomaltooligosaccharides Uses

The versatility of isomaltooligosaccharides has led to their widespread adoption across various industries:

• Food Industry: IMO are used as a prebiotic ingredient to enhance the gut health benefits of various food products, including yogurts, granola bars, cereals, and baked goods. They can also function as a low-calorie sweetener and a bulking agent.
• Beverage Industry: IMO are incorporated into functional beverages, such as prebiotic drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juices, to provide added health benefits.
• Dietary Supplements: Imoisomalto-oligosaccharides are commonly found in prebiotic supplements, often in combination with probiotics, to support digestive health.
• Animal Feed: IMO are also being explored for their potential benefits in animal feed, promoting gut health and overall well-being in livestock and pets.

Case Study: A Microbial Platform for IMO Innovation

This study established an efficient method to produce long-chain IMOs (up to DP14) from maltose using Bacillus subtilis AP-1, without residual glucose or maltose. The IMOs exhibited strong digestive resistance, selective support of probiotic growth, favorable fermentation into SCFAs, and excellent cellular safety, offering a practical and scalable solution for functional food and nutraceutical development.

Fig.1 Microbial Production and Prebiotic Evaluation of IMOs.¹

Key Analytical Methods

• α-Glucosidase Activity Assay: Measured in the culture supernatant using maltose to confirm enzyme function in IMO synthesis.
• TLC Analysis: Used to track oligosaccharide formation and assess purification quality.
• MALDI-TOF/MS: Confirmed the molecular weight and degree of polymerization (up to DP14) of the IMOs.
• Enzymatic Digestion: α-Amylase and oligosaccharide α-1,6-glucosidase were used to confirm the α-(1→6)-linkages characteristic of IMOs.

Functional Evaluation

• Simulated Digestion: IMOs resisted enzymatic breakdown under simulated oral, gastric, and intestinal conditions.
• Microbial Growth Assays: Promoted the growth of probiotics while showing minimal support for pathogenic strains.
• SCFA Analysis: GC and HPLC confirmed SCFA production from IMO fermentation by beneficial microbes.
• MTT Cytotoxicity Assay: Demonstrated excellent biocompatibility with L929 fibroblasts.

Why Work with Creative Biolabs?

Whether you're optimizing microbial biosynthesis or validating the functional impact of IMO formulations, Creative Biolabs offers one-stop expertise:

As oligosaccharide-based ingredients continue reshaping the landscape of functional food and gut health, IMOs offer a compelling model of how enzymatic design meets nutritional relevance. Whether you're modifying α-glucosidic bonds or navigating the maze of isomeric analysis, Creative Biolabs is here to streamline your journey. Explore more at Creative Biolabs and let's bring your carbohydrate innovation to life.

References

1. Tiangpook, Suratsawadee, et al. "Production of a series of long-chain isomaltooligosaccharides from maltose by Bacillus subtilis AP-1 and associated prebiotic properties." Foods 12.7 (2023): 1499. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12071499

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• Pectic Oligosaccharides

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