One-step synthesis of efficient binding-inhibitor for influenza virus through multiple addition of sialyloligosaccharides on chitosan

We have succeeded in one-step synthesis of an efficient binding-inhibitor for influenza virus, which is composed of only sugar chains. This binding-inhibitor utilizes the carbohydrate recognition of influenza virus, thus it can prevent the virus from infection. We modified chitosan with multiple sialyl saccharides, α2,6-sialyllactose or free sialyl glycan, using reductive amination reaction. The resulting inhibitors showed sufficient inhibitory activity against influenza virus infection in MDCK cells compared to that of α2,6-sialyllactose or free sialyl glycan. Unlike the other binding-inhibitors of influenza virus, this virus inhibitor of sugar chains requires only one step in its synthesis. Therefore this inhibitor is suitable for use in products such as filters and masks.