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.
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References
Metrano, A. J. et al. Asymmetric catalysis mediated by synthetic peptides, version 2.0: Expansion of scope and mechanisms. Chem. Rev. 120, 11479–11615 (2020). A review article that presents synthetic peptide-based catalysts.
Asensio, J. L., Ardá, A., Cañada, F. J. & Jiménez-Barbero, J. Carbohydrate–aromatic interactions. Acc. Chem. Res. 46, 946–954 (2013). A review article that discusses carbohydrate–aromatic interactions.
Fittolani, G. et al. Synthesis of a glycan hairpin. Nat. Chem. 15, 1461–1469 (2023). This paper reports the synthesis and conformational analysis of a glycan hairpin.
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This is a summary of: Liu, K. & Delbianco, M. A glycan foldamer that uses carbohydrate–aromatic interactions to perform catalysis. Nat. Chem. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-025-01763-6 (2025).
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A glycan that performs catalysis. Nat. Chem. 17, 797–798 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-025-01794-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41557-025-01794-z
