Colorimetric saccharide sensing

Koumoto demonstrated that azobenzene derivatives bearing one or two aminomethylphenylboronic acid groups 32 and 33 can be used for practical colorimetric saccharide sensing in neutral aqueous media. The observed stability constants (ATohs) for 33 were 433 for D-fructose and 13.0 M for o-glucose in 1 1 (v/v) methanol/water at pH 7.5 (phosphate buffer). 

Boronic Acid-Based Thin Films for Colorimetric Saccharide Sensing... 

Colorimetric sensors for saccharides are of particular interest in a practical sense. If a system with a large color change can be developed, it could be incorporated into a diagnostic test paper for saccharides, similar to universal indicator paper for pH. Such a system would make it possible to measure o-glucose concentrations without the need of specialist instrumentation. This would be of particular benefit to diabetic patients in developing countries. 

Boronic acid-based biosensors to detect saccharides The recognition of saccharides, especially o-glucose, is of particular interest, owing to their correlation to diabetes and human cancers. The specific recognition of boronic acid for -diols provides a sensing selectivity. In the sugar sensors based on boronic acids (Figure 8), fluorescent, colorimetric, or electrochemical methods can be used as readout units. 

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