Automated Chemical Solid-Phase Synthesis of Glycans

Automated chemical solid-phase synthesis is an automation platform for rapid and reliable synthesis of glycans. Since the seminal work of Automated Glycan Assembly (AGA) disclosed by Seeberger in 2001, AGA has evolved from a proof-of-concept to a robust and reliable technology for streamlined production of various types of glycans. Through more than 20 years of unceasing efforts, the major breakthroughs in AGA including linkers, approved building blocks, and synthesizers have been acquired, and numerous influential achievements have been made in complex glycan synthesis. In addition, the HPLC-assisted automated synthesis emerges as a promising automation platform to access glycans. In this review, we highlight the key advances in the field of automated chemical solid-phase synthesis, especially in AGA. The synthesis of representative glycans based on AGA is also described.

Automated summary

Automated chemical solid-phase synthesis is a reliable and efficient automation platform for synthesizing glycans. Automated Glycan Assembly (AGA), as a key breakthrough in the field, has evolved from a proof-of-concept to a robust technology for streamlined production of various glycans. In addition, HPLC-assisted automated synthesis shows promising potential in accessing glycans.