The modular synthesis of multivalent functionalised glycodendrons for the detection of lectins including DC-SIGN

Glycodendrons are excellent tools for the biological evaluation of lectins. Herein, we present the expedient and efficient synthesis of a versatile second generation dendron scaffold using double exponential growth methodology. The dendron scaffold can be rapidly functionalised, as illustrated by the conjugation of the dendron scaffold to biotin or a fluorescent probe, followed by oxyamine glycan conjugation to the glycan of choice. The use of a fluorescent LewisX glycodendron for the detection of the C-type lectin DC-SIGN on macrophages is then demonstrated.