Efficient synthesis and protein conjugation of β-(1→6)-d-N-acetylglucosamine oligosaccharides from the polysaccharide intercellular adhesin

A wide variety of medically important biofilm forming bacteria produce similar polysaccharide intracellular adhesins (PIAs). The PIA structures consist of partially de-N-acetylated beta-(1-->6)-N-acetylglucosamine polymers. These exopolysaccharides are key components of the bacterial biofilm matrix. Here, we describe the efficient synthesis of PIA oligosaccharides using an acid reversion reaction of N-acetylglucosamine in HF.pyridine. The PIA …