Open AccessMass spectrometric methods for analysis of oligosaccharides in human milk
Author(s) -
Niñonuevo Milady R,
Lebrilla Carlito B
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
nutrition reviews
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.958
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1753-4887
pISSN - 0029-6643
DOI - 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2009.00243.x
Subject(s) - biomolecule , oligosaccharide , computational biology , mass spectrometry , tandem mass spectrometry , bifidobacterium , chemistry , bifidobacterium longum , bovine milk , biology , biochemistry , chromatography , fermentation , lactobacillus
Establishing the analytical platforms for characterizing human milk oligosaccharides is important to fully assess their specific functionalities. The characterization of these biomolecules, however, is still considered challenging, owing to their overall complexity and diversity. Addressed here are the technical difficulties with an emphasis on the application of mass spectrometry to rapidly profile and quantify human milk oligosaccharides. Fundamental concepts and improvements in instrumentation and an overview of the biological functions and structures of these compounds are also discussed. Results reveal that small‐chain oligosaccharides, evident in abundance in the early stage of lactation, are selectively consumed by specific stains of Bifidobacterium longum biovar, infantis.