Abstract: This disclosure relates saccharide analogs such as thiomaltose-based analogs for targeting bacteria and related uses. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of transferring a molecule of interest into bacteria comprising mixing bacteria with a non-naturally occurring conjugate, wherein the conjugate comprises a thiomaltose-based analog and a molecule of interest under conditions such that the conjugate is transported across the bacterial cell wall. In certain embodiments, the molecule of interest can be a tracer or an antibiotic.