Sensitive and specific detection of saccharide species based on fluorescence: update from 2016

Increasing evidence supports the critical role of saccharides in various pathophysiological steps of tumor progression, where they regulate tumor proliferation, invasion, hematogenic metastasis, and angiogenesis. The identification and recognition of these saccharides provide a solid foundation for the development of targeted drug preparations, which are however not fully understood due to their complex and similar structures. In order to achieve fluorescence sensing of saccharides, extensive research has been conducted to design molecular probes and nanoparticles made of different materials. This paper aims to provide in-depth discussion of three main topics that cover the current status of the carbohydrate sensing based on the fluorescence sensing mechanism, including a phenylboronic acid-based sensing platform, non-boronic acid entities, as well as an enzyme-based sensing platform. It also highlights efforts made to understand the recognition mechanisms and improve the sensing properties of these systems. Finally, we present the challenge of achieving high selectivity and sensitivity recognition of saccharides, and suggest possible future avenues for exploration.

Automated summary

Increasing evidence supports the critical role of saccharides in tumor progression, and their identification and recognition have paved the way for targeted drug preparations. Achieving fluorescence sensing of saccharides has been the focus of extensive research, leading to the design of molecular probes and nanoparticles made of different materials. This paper discusses the current status of carbohydrate sensing based on fluorescence sensing mechanisms, including phenylboronic acid-based and enzyme-based sensing platforms, and highlights efforts to improve recognition mechanisms and sensing properties.