Advances in the glycopolymer technology have allowed the preparation of more complex and well-defined glycopolymers/particles with several architectures from linear to globular structures (such as micelles, dendrimers, and nanogels). In the last decade, functionalized self-assembled/decided nano-objects and scaffolds containing glycopolymers were designed to develop many biological and biomedical applications in diseases treatments such as pathogen detection, inhibitors of toxins, and lectin-based biosensors. These studies will facilitate the understanding and investigation of the sugar code on the carbohydrate-lectin interactions, which are significantly influenced by the glycopolymer architecture, valency, size, and density of binding elements. In this context, these advanced and selected glycopolymers/particles showing specific interactions with various lectins are highlighted.
Keywords: biological functionalities; glycoparticles; glycopolymers; recognition events and drug delivery system; well-defined polymers.