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Detection and isolation of sialic acid (SA) over-expressed biomolecules is of continuous interest in cancer-related research. Boronic acid-based SA-recognition chemistry provides a synthetic molecular basis for such techniques. 5-Boronopicolinic acid, a derivative with the reportedly highest SA-binding strength, was immobilized to a gold surface and studied for its interaction with fetuin, a blood-circulating glycoprotein implicated in cancers. A submicron-molar level sensitivity was achievable, while the sample could be readily dissociated by modulating the pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an attempt to develop a totally synthetic, self-regulated insulin delivery system to treat diabetes, N-substituted poly(acryl-amide) copolymer gels bearing boronate functionality have been chemically optimized so as to undergo an abrupt and glucose-dependent change in hydration. This study highlights an importance of fine-tuning the mesh size of the gel relative to that of insulin in order to achieve the better controlled-release in a manner less sensitive to the temperature, even with an apparently marginal change of hydration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]