Carbohydrate-protein interactions are inherently weak but also, in the case of monosacharides, very non-specific with most lectins being capable of binding a vast of carbohydrates. In Nature the precise 3-D presentation of branched glycans gives rise to specificity, which allows viral or bacterial docking to host cells. The reproduction of these specific multivalent arrays offers huge promise as the development of new anti-adhesives and pathogen sensors. However the synthesis of native glycans is incredibly challenging and more accessible methods to reproduce their recognition functions are required.            Here we will present recent findings in the design of glycosylated nanoparticles and surfaces designed to detect pathogens and their toxins. In the first approach, gold nanoparticle based sensors that specifically interact with bacteria surfaces to give colorimetric outputs for point of care applications will be described. Secondly, a new 'Chemical Tongue' approach to biosensing will be introduced. Rather than looking for a single carbohydrate-protein binding event, we establish small arrays where the relative binding of lectins to different sugars is evaluated, in a manner similar to the function of taste buds. In combination with a training algorithm, it is possible to distinguish between different lectins including pathogenic agents such as Cholera and Ricin.  References Jones, MW, Otten, L, Richards, S-J, Lowery, R., Phillips DJ., Haddleton DM., and Gibson MI. Chem. Sci. , 2014 , 5, 161Richards, S-J., Fullam, E.C, Besra, G., Gibson, MI. J. Mater. Chem. B . 2014 , 2, 1490Otten, L., Richards,S-J., Fullam, E., Besra, G.S., Gibson, M,I. ,  J. Mater. Chem. B .  2013 , 1, 2665Richards, S-J., Jones, MW, Hunaban, M., Haddleton, DM., Gibson, M.I., Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. ., 2012 , 51, 7812

Glycosylated nanobio sensors and a new "chemical tongue" approach to lectin sensing

248th National Meeting (2014)

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