Detection of Lectin Clustering in Self‐Assembled, Glycan‐Functionalized Amphiphiles by Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminophores

Abstract

Amphiphilic glycan-functionalized oligomers are derived by solid-phase polymer synthesis and applied in both, self-assembled micelles as well as giant unilamellar vesicles, as simplified models of the cell's glycocalyx. Additionally, an aggregation-induced luminophore is introduced into the amphiphilic glycomacromolecules showing no fluorescence when the molecule is free in solution. Combining glycomacromolecules carrying a binding glycan motif and the luminophore with glycomacromolecules or other amphiphiles with no binding motifs and no luminophore in self-assembled structures, micelles and vesicles exhibiting no or only very little fluorescence are obtained. Only upon clustering of the binding glycan motifs through interaction with a multivalent lectin receptor, an increase in fluorescence is observed. Thus, clustering events within these self-assembled structures can be detected and localized.

Luminogenic and Bactericidal Studies of an Acrylonitrile‐Based AIEgen

“…They have produced many supramolecular materials through the self-assembly of simple small molecules inspired by these functional self-assembled superstructures. [5][6][7] Organic conjugated supramolecules have captured the interest of researchers over the last two decades due to their prospective uses in fluorescence imaging, photodynamic therapy, chemosensors, optical devices, and light-emitting devices. Aggregation is a common occurrence observed in most molecular systems with π-π stacking and frequently results in aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ).…”

“…As always being inspired by living species material scientists, synthesize simple molecules capable of forming complex supramolecular architectures. They have produced many supramolecular materials through the self‐assembly of simple small molecules inspired by these functional self‐assembled superstructures [5–7] …”