Methods for the high resolution analysis of glycoconjugates

Abstract

Glycans and their conjugates form the largest and most diverse class of biological molecules found in nature. These glycosides are vital for numerous cellular functions including recognition events, protein stabilisation and energy storage. Additionally, abnormalities within these structures are associated with a wide range of disease states. As a result, robust analytical techniques capable of in depth characterisation of carbohydrates and their binding partners are required. This chapter provides an overview of currently used analytical techniques, focussing on chromatographic and mass spectrometry-based methods.