Use of glycosylated dendrimer macromolecules to fluorescently monitor glucose concentration

摘要

A minimally invasive biosensor is undergoing development to detect physiological concentrations of glucose within interstitial fluid. The sensor is based on a chemical assay consisting of Alexa Fluor 647 labeled concanavalin A lectin and dendrimer macromolecules functionalized to contain peripheral glucose moieties. The two components form large cross-linked particles that result in loss of fluorescent emission through shielding of interior fluorophores. As glucose is introduced into the assay, it competes with the glycodendrimers for binding to concanavalin A to disrupt the cross-linked complex and produce a reversible change in fluorescence intensity that is dependent on glucose concentration. Chemical analogs of the original glycodendrimer have been created and analyzed with the purpose of creating more stable and consistent dendrimers in order to maximize the response of the assay so that its signal can be better detected through dermal tissue and provide a better understanding of the sensor binding mechanics.