Glycosaminoglycan microarray for high-throughput binding analysis of proteins and small molecules
A high-throughput screening service using heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate microarrays to evaluate binding interactions between GAGs and target molecules. Requires sub-microgram sample quantities and provides affinity and specificity data for drug discovery and glycobiology research.
Overview
This glycosaminoglycan (GAG) microarray platform enables high-throughput screening of binding interactions between heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) oligosaccharides and a wide range of target molecules, including proteins, peptides, and small molecules. The technology addresses a critical need in glycobiology and drug discovery by providing rapid, sensitive characterization of GAG-binding specificity using minimal sample quantities.
The microarray is particularly valuable for researchers investigating GAG-mediated biological processes, developing glycan-based therapeutics, or screening compound libraries for GAG-binding activity. By requiring only sub-microgram amounts of analyte, the platform makes it feasible to evaluate scarce or expensive targets while delivering quantitative binding affinity data.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Structurally diverse library of HS and CS oligosaccharides ranging from 4 to 18 sugars in length, with sulfation levels spanning from none to fully sulfated
- High sensitivity detection capable of measuring fluorescently labelled analytes at sub-nanogram levels
- Low sample consumption requiring only sub-microgram quantities of target proteins or small molecules
- Quantitative binding affinity measurement through varying analyte concentration or oligosaccharide density on the slide
- Built-in controls including positive and negative references to ensure data reliability
- Validated specificity confirmed with multiple known GAG-binding proteins and peptides demonstrating structural recognition
How it works:
The fluorescently labelled analyte is incubated with the HS/CS microarray slide, allowing binding interactions to occur. Unbound material is washed away, and the slide is scanned to quantify fluorescence signal intensity. This signal intensity correlates with binding affinity, enabling researchers to determine both the strength and specificity of interactions between their target molecule and the GAG library.
Technology readiness level
The HS microarray has been validated with multiple proteins and peptides known to bind GAGs with structural specificity and sensitivity, as documented in peer-reviewed literature. A CS microarray has recently been developed and tested for sensitivity and specificity with known CS binders. The platform is currently offered as a service for rapid screening of GAG binding ability, making it immediately available for research collaborations and contract screening projects.
About Glycan Therapeutics
Glycan Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company that leverages a proprietary chemoenzymatic technology platform to produce non-animal sourced, structurally defined synthetic heparin and heparan sulfate molecules [1, 2, 5]. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, the company's platform allows for the industrial-scale production of homogeneous carbohydrates [1, 3, 7]. By overcoming the limitations and safety vulnerabilities associated with traditional animal-derived heparin, such as contamination risks, the company's technology enables the design and large-scale manufacturing of safe, standardized heparin-like oligosaccharides for clinical and research purposes [2, 4].
The company’s work addresses critical needs in hematology and inflammation by developing novel glycan-based therapeutics, including anticoagulant drugs that target Factor Xa and anti-inflammatory candidates designed to inhibit HMGB1-mediated pathways [5, 8]. Their development pipeline targets indications such as liver ischemia reperfusion injury and drug-induced acute liver failure [5]. Glycan Therapeutics also provides specialized services and research products, including custom synthesis, heparan sulfate microarrays, and reagent chemicals, supporting broader investigations into glycobiology in fields such as infectious diseases, stem cell differentiation, and vascular biology [1, 2, 3]. Their research has been consistently supported by SBIR/STTR grants, underscoring their progress in modernizing carbohydrate-based medicine [4, 5, 8].
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