Chemistry professor Liming Zhang has solved a decades-long challenge in his field, discovering a way to reliably synthesize some of biology’s most complex molecules.
The new technique, developed in Zhang’s lab, enables precise control over the construction of short-chain carbohydrates, called oligosaccharides—a feat that has challenged scientists for decades.
Oligosaccharides play critical roles in cell communication, immune response, and infection, but their structural complexity makes them notoriously difficult to build. Published in Nature Synthesis, the new method uses a novel chemical reaction that allows for automated synthesis, providing biologists and biochemists with unprecedented access to these vital molecules for research.
This achievement approaches what Zhang calls “the holy grail in carbohydrate chemistry”—a versatile, one-size-fits-all synthetic method. By making these compounds easier to create, the work could open up new avenues in biomedical research, from developing diagnostic tests for autoimmune diseases to creating new vaccines. Read the full story on The Current.
Photo Credit: Matt Perko