Quantifying the monosaccharide composition of a glycan begins with the controlled hydrolysis of the oligo- or polysaccharides to release individual monosaccharides.
These released sugars are subsequently derivatized with fluorescent tags, enabling high-sensitivity detection and accurate quantification using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) with fluorescence detection.
Because different monosaccharides vary in chemical stability, adapted hydrolysis conditions and labeling protocols are applied for different classes, such as sialic acid, neutral monosaccharides, and acetylhexosamines..
Relative quantification can be performed directly from sample peak areas, while absolute quantification is achieved using calibration curves generated from known standards.
How we work for Monosaccharide Composition Determination
Our workflow ensures a clear, straightforward, and transparent process for sample glycoanalysis
Sample
Let us know which type of sample (purified protein, antibodies, cells, tissue, etc.) you want to analyze, and we will apply the most convenient sample preparation protocol.
Glycan release and isolation
We will use the optimal enzymes, techniques, and procedures to have the glycans ready to be analyzed.
Controlled hydrolysis
to release the oligosaccharides and monosaccharides, applying different methods to ensure the monosaccharides’ stability
Chemical labelling of glycans
Subsequent derivatization with fluorescent tags enables high-sensitivity detection
Mass spectrometry analysis
The latest technology and instruments are used to ensure the data quality.
Data processing
Our experts analyze and interpret the data to transform it into actionable information.
Report
A publication-type report that includes the Materials & Methods, data interpretation, and potential further analysis.
Purposes and applications for Monosaccharide Composition Determination Service
Monosaccharide Composition Determination of a purified glycoprotein – or more complex biological matrices – serves several purposes and applications:
Oncology
Cancer cells often exhibit abnormal glycosylation patterns on their surface proteins and lipids, and elevated levels of certain monosaccharides, like fucose or sialic acid, are frequently associated with tumor progression, metastasis, and immune evasion. We can quantify this elevated level of each monosaccharide.
Infectious Diseases
Quantifying the monosaccharide composition of bacterial capsular polysaccharides or lipopolysaccharides (LPS) is essential for identifying pathogenic strains and developing targeted vaccines.
We can identify and quantify unique sugars, such as rhamnose, mannose, and neuraminic acid are common in microbial structures to be exploited for diagnostics and immunotherapeutic strategies.
Immune and Inflammatory Diseases
Inflammation, tolerance, and autoimmune diseases are mediated by lectins and other glycan receptors. Knowing which monosaccharides and the exact content is key to your research.
In the field of monoclonal antibodies and glycoconjugate vaccines, their efficacy, stability, and immunogenicity are affected by the glycan content. Regulatory agencies may require detailed profiling to ensure quality control and batch consistency.
Microbiome
Studying the monosaccharide composition of the microbial exopolysaccharides provides insight into host–microbe interactions, microbial metabolism, and gut health. This information supports the design of prebiotics based on specific sugar components such as galactose, fucose, or xylose.
Biomarkers & Diagnostics
Quantifying monosaccharides and using them as biomarkers offers potential for non-invasive diagnostics and personalized medicine. For example, serum levels of sialic acid and fucose can reflect inflammation, cancer progression, or liver disease, and urinary monosaccharide patterns can aid in diagnosing metabolic disorders such as galactosemia or fucosidosis.
Other fields
- Plant biology and agriculture: Understanding the monosaccharide composition of plant cell walls is important for improving crop digestibility, biofuel production, and disease resistance.
- Food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries: plant-derived polysaccharides with specific sugar compositions are measured for their commercial characterization.
