Glycan synthesis: An update

Abstract

Carbohydrate synthesis presents several challenges due to the intricate nature of molecules and their complex structures. Since certain pathogens are difficult to culture in the laboratory under some circumstances, and the isolation of glycans in pure structural forms is an arduous undertaking, the medicinal chemistry approach offers a fascinating and attractive option. The efforts being made to develop an automated system for oligosaccharide synthesis are expected to produce immense effects and revolutionize the understanding of the role of carbohydrates in biological systems. Glycovaccines aid in saving millions of lives around the world annually by protecting children and adults from bacterial infections. These vaccines further expand the therapeutic armamentarium against several microbial infectious diseases. This review highlights the different clinical applications of glycan and the progress made in their synthetic process.