Other uronic acid-containing polysaccharides

Other uronic acid-containing polysaccharides represent a diverse group of acidic glycans, including bacterial alginates and plant-derived pectins, characterized by the presence of hexuronic acid residues. In clinical medicine, these polysaccharides are critical components of the pathological mucus and biofilms found in the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis and other chronic respiratory conditions. They provide structural stability to the extracellular matrix by cross-linking with divalent cations like calcium, creating a barrier that impedes drug delivery and immune cell penetration. Therapeutic strategies targeting these molecules, such as the use of alginate oligosaccharides (e.g., OligoG), aim to modulate the rheological properties of mucus and disrupt biofilm architecture. By interfering with the polymer-polymer interactions, these therapies enhance the clearance of secretions and potentiate the activity of antimicrobial agents against persistent infections.

Other names

Acidic polysaccharidesPolyanionic polysaccharidesUronansHexuronic acid-containing polysaccharidesUronic acid-containing exopolysaccharides

Disruption of the extracellular polymeric network through competitive binding and chelation of divalent cations (e.g., Ca2+), leading to reduced mucus viscosity and biofilm fragmentation.