Mannan Oligosaccharides

Mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) represent complex carbohydrates which exhibit strong prebiotic effects that find increasing use in animal nutrition and human health fields. For multiple years, Creative Biolabs has specialized in oligosaccharide science to empower researchers in creating new products and cutting-edge technologies that unlock MOS potential. Our custom oligosaccharide synthesis and oligosaccharides analysis services deliver tailored support throughout both phases from design to data acquisition for those researching immunomodulatory roles or new dietary functionalities of mannan oligosaccharides.

Mannan Oligosaccharides Structure

Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS) represent non-digestible carbohydrate forms produced through the controlled breakdown of mannan polysaccharides. The main classifications for MOS include α-MOS and β-MOS. The configuration of the molecule determines its function because yeast-prepared α-MOS attach better to bacterial lectins while plant-made β-MOS provide superior solubility and microbial specificity.

• α-MOS

  : Sourced from yeast cell walls (like Saccharomyces cerevisiae), featuring α-1,6-glycosidic backbones with α-1,2 or α-1,3 side branches. This complex structure facilitates pathogen binding and immune signaling.

• β-MOS

  : Found in plants such as konjac and legumes, composed of linear β-1,4-linked mannose chains or alternating glucose-mannose units (e.g., glucomannan). These are typically used for prebiotic and metabolic modulation.

Functional Benefits of MOS

MOS work on multiple levels to support systemic wellness. The following multitarget benefits make MOS ideal candidates in dietary strategies across species.

• Immunity Boost: Acting as immune adjuvants, MOS enhance both innate and adaptive responses, stimulate antibody secretion, and promote beneficial microbial colonization.
• Mycotoxin Binding: MOS can physically adsorb and neutralize mycotoxins, functioning as a natural safeguard in feed and food safety.
• Microbiota Modulation: They selectively nourish probiotics like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, outcompeting pathogens and improving gut resilience.
• Metabolic Benefits: By regulating lipid profiles and supporting glucose metabolism, MOS help reduce fat accumulation and appetite—offering value in obesity and metabolic research.
• Anti-inflammatory Activity: MOS contribute to gut-brain axis balance by restoring microbial structure, boosting short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, and protecting the intestinal barrier.

MOS Mechanism of Action

MOS work through a few well-characterized biological routes:

• By binding to bacterial lectins, MOS block pathogen adhesion to intestinal surfaces.
• They activate Toll-like receptors (e.g., TLR2), triggering cytokine production and improving immune surveillance.
• MOS fermentation yields SCFAs, which influence host metabolism and gene regulation.
• They reshape the gut ecosystem—amplifying symbionts while suppressing opportunists like E. coli.

MOS: From Synthesis to Analysis

Producing functionally reliable MOS involves precise process control—from substrate to structure.

MOS Synthesis Methods

• Enzymatic Hydrolysis

  : Using β-mannanase and α-mannosidase to cleave specific linkages in yeast or konjac sources under optimized conditions (40–60°C, pH 5.5–6.5).

• Chemical Synthesis

  : Protecting-group-guided strategies allow for controlled linkage formation (e.g., α-1,2), though less scalable.

• Microbial Fermentation

  : Engineered yeast strains can secrete MOS directly, with pathway tweaks enhancing yield.

Structural Analysis & Characterization of MOS

Accurate characterization of MOS is essential for ensuring functionality and consistency. At Creative Biolabs, we employ advanced analytical technologies to support every step of your oligosaccharide project:

MOS Synthesis and Analysis Solutions

At Creative Biolabs, we understand that high-quality mannan oligosaccharide development depends not only on effective synthesis routes but also on robust and reliable analytical tools. Our one-stop service portfolio is built specifically for oligosaccharide projects, as illustrated below:

Creative Biolabs integrates custom oligosaccharide synthesis methods with advanced glycan analysis technologies to deliver high-quality MOS with structural clarity and functional confidence. Our platform ensures consistent quality and functional relevance for every MOS batch you need.

MOS Applications Across Species

Mannan Oligosaccharides for Humans

MOS offer promise in gut health supplements, immune support, and metabolic regulation. Their influence on SCFA profiles and microbial diversity is under active study for chronic disease prevention.

Mannan Oligosaccharides for Cats & Dogs

MOS Improve digestive health and immunity; reduce GI inflammation.

Mannan Oligosaccharides for Horses & Aquaculture

MOS can stabilize gut flora during stress or transport, lowering colic risk. They can also improve feed efficiency, immune resilience, and disease resistance in poultry, swine, cattle, and fish.¹

Mannan oligosaccharides are more than just structural carbohydrates—they're potent, multifunctional bioactives with wide-reaching applications. From gut health to glycoimmunology, they unlock new potential across industries. At Creative Biolabs, we're proud to support your MOS research with custom synthesis, cutting-edge analytics, and deep glycoscience expertise. Contact us to learn how we can help accelerate your discovery pipeline.

FAQs

Reference

1. Lu, Zhiyuan, et al. "Mannan oligosaccharides application: Multipath restriction from Aeromonas hydrophila infection in the skin barrier of grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)." Frontiers in Immunology 12 (2021): 742107. Distributed under Open Access license CC BY 4.0, without modification. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.742107 ;

Related Services

Resources

• Chitosan Oligosaccharides
• Soybean Oligosaccharides
• Marine Oligosaccharides

---