Synthetic glycosyl polymers in isolation, characterization and immobilization of lectins.

A review is given on preparative procedures and practical applications in the field of lectins of two types of synthetic polymers: (1) Glycosyl polyacrylamide derivatives - insoluble (cross-linked) and water-soluble (linear) - that are obtained by copolymerization of alkenyl glycosides and acrylamide, and (2) glycosyloxyethyl dimethacrylate copolymers prepared by glycosylation of the commercially available macroporous glycol methacrylate copolymer, Separon. Both types of copolymers are efficient affinity carriers for isolation of lectins. Separon derivatives can be used after partial periodate oxidation of the glycosyl groups for covalent coupling of lectins. Affinity carriers thus obtained can be employed in separation and purification of glycoproteins and other glycosylated macromolecules. Soluble glycosyl polyacrylamide derivatives are useful in precipitation of lectins and, in general, as synthetic model substances for studying interactions of lectins with sugar ligands.