Toward automated synthesis of oligosaccharides and glycoproteins

The discovery of previously unknown functions associated with carbohydrates and the study of their structure-function relations are of current interes t in carbohydrate chemistry and biology. Progress in this area is, however, hampered by the lack of convenient and effective tools for the synthesis a nd analysis of oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. Development of automat ed synthesis of such materials is necessary to facilitate research in this field. This review describes recent advances in carbohydrate synthesis, wit h particular focus on developments that have potential application to the a utomated synthesis of oligosaccharides, glycopeptides, and glycoproteins.