Dyes inspired sensor arrays for discrimination of glycosaminoglycans

Glycosaminoglycan is a family of natural polysaccharides with diverse biological activities. As these linear polysaccharides were biosynthesized in living tissues, their chemical structures all show a high degree of heterogeneity. It is of great importance to develop convenient and reliable analytical methods for discrimination of different glycosaminoglycans with such complicated chemical structures to ensure their safe clinical use. In this review, we are trying to discuss recent research progress in optical sensor arrays for pattern-based recognition of versatile glycosaminoglycans. Especially, we focus on sensor arrays in which dyes play a critical role. It can be found that small dye molecules are ideal building blocks for the construction of cheap, convenient and reliable supramolecular sensor arrays for discrimination of similar glycosaminoglycans and identification of unknown glycosaminoglycan samples.

Automated summary

This review focuses on recent research progress in optical sensor arrays for pattern-based recognition of versatile glycosaminoglycans, with a specific emphasis on the role of dyes in sensor arrays. Small dye molecules are shown to be ideal building blocks for cheap, convenient and reliable supramolecular sensor arrays for discriminating similar glycosaminoglycans.