Molecular design and syntheses of glycopolymers

Recent progress in precision polymerization has made it possible to design a variety of macromolecules of controlled structure. This review article is concerned with recent topics in the molecular design and syntheses of glycopolymers, particularly focusing on those of well-defined structure. First, linear glycopolymers with controlled molecular weights and molecular weight distributions are described that are produced by various living polymerization techniques developed recently, Secondly, the syntheses of some glycodendrimers and glycoclusters as multivalent ligands are dealt with. Finally, some properties and functions of glycopolymers, such as biological functions, surface-modifier properties, self-assembling properties, etc. are discussed in relation to their structures. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.