Glutaraldehyde cross-link analogues from carbohydrates

Abstract

The effectiveness of glutaraldehyde as protein cross-linker is unbeaten by any cross-linker known today. Surprisingly, no efforts have been made to improve the properties of glutaraldehyde via derivatisation. From the group of carbohydrates, periodate oxidised derivatives with cross-linking power have been reported. We demonstrate that these are based on the 1,5-dialdehyde structure, analogous with glutaraldehyde. Diglycolaldehyde and periodate oxidised carbohydrates containing this basic 1,5-dialdehyde moiety show excellent cross-linking properties. Although these cross-linkers are less reactive than glutaraldehyde, quantitative cross-linking is effected without undesired colouration and enzyme deactivation: effects often encountered with glutaraldehyde. These are the first results from an investigation in the use of carbohydrates for the alternative and inexpensive cross-linking of proteins. © 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.