Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update for 2003-2004

This review is the third update of the original review, published in 1999, on the application of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry to the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and brings the topic to the end of 2004. Both fundamental studies and applications are covered. The main topics include methodological developments, matrices, fragmentation of carbohydrates and applications to large polymeric carbohydrates from plants, glycans from glycoproteins and those from various glycolipids. Other topics include the use of MALDI MS to study enzymes related to carbohydrate biosynthesis and degradation, its use in industrial processes, particularly biopharmaceuticals and its use to monitor products of chemical synthesis where glycodendrimers and carbohydrate-protein complexes are highlighted.

Synthesis of a fluorescence-labeled K30 antigen repeating unit using click chemistry

An N-dansyl-labeled K30 antigen repeating unit, [4-[5-(N,N'-dimethylamino)naphthalene-1-sulfonamine]-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl]hexyl beta-D-glucopyranosyluronate-(1-->3)-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl-(1-->3)-beta-D-galactopyranoside, was synthesized using click chemistry, the copper(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of an azide and an alkyne. The target compound could further facilitate the studies of interactions among K30 oligosaccharides and proteins.