Molecular recognition of carbohydrates or glycans by lectins plays an important role in protein-cell interactions and cell-cell interactions. Limited availability of natural lectins motivated many chemists to prepare synthetic receptors for selective recognition of glycans. In this work, we report water-soluble synthetic lectins prepared through molecular imprinting of cross-linked micelles. Hydrogen bonds at the surfactant/water interface were particularly important to the binding of glycans. Micromolar binding affinities were obtained in water for a wide range of oligosaccharides and even glycoproteins. Strong selectivities were also observed for many glycans despite similarities of the structures.

Molecularly imprinted synthetic lectins for the recognition of complex glycans and glycoproteins in water

ACS Fall 2020 Virtual Meeting

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