Abstract

This article will review the techniques used for the characterization of the N-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins to be used in enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), describe the specific role some of these oligosaccharides play in the delivery of these enzymes and outline the syntheses of some relevant fluorogenic and chromogenic carbohydrates that are not commercially available. Without being extensive, this review is meant to provide adequate and relevant background literature and hopes to stimulate organic chemists to find creative solutions for problems associated with glycoproteins, and those faced by biochemists, bioanalytical and protein purification scientists.

Keywords: synthetic substrates, enzyme replacement therapy, mucopolysaccharidosis, chromogenic carbohydrates