Nature Chemistry, Published online: 04 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41557-025-01794-z
In nature, catalytic functions are typically restricted to proteins and ribozymes. Now, a synthetic glycan capable of catalysing a chemical reaction is demonstrated. The folded glycan scaffold positions an aromatic recognition site in proximity to a reactive functional group. This glycan catalyst accelerates the Pictet–Spengler functionalization of tryptophan and tryptophan-containing peptides in water.
Nature Chemistry, Published online: 04 April 2025; doi:10.1038/s41557-025-01794-zIn nature, catalytic functions are typically restricted to proteins and ribozymes. Now, a synthetic glycan capable of catalysing a chemical reaction is demonstrated. The folded glycan scaffold positions an aromatic recognition site in proximity to a reactive functional group. This glycan catalyst accelerates the Pictet–Spengler functionalization of tryptophan and tryptophan-containing peptides in water. Read More
