Preparation of Sugar-Dendrimer Derivatives

Such sugar-dendrimer complexes ( sugar balls ) have been used to inhibit the interactions of viruses with cell surfaces. Many viruses bind to particular carbohydrate residues on cell surfaces, which in turn facilitate their entry into cells and the resultant infection process. A virus particle presents a multi-dentate surface consisting of many carbohydrate-binding proteins able to interact with multiple cell-surface carbohydrates. The surface of a dendrimer that is modified with 

The following protocol represents the method of Aoi et al. (1995) for the coupling of lactone sugars to amine-dendrimers in organic solvent. 

Dendrimer containing O-fl- D-Gala ctopy ran osyl- Sugar ball 

In a fume hood, dissolve 270 mg of a G-4 dendrimer (PAMAM or other amine containing) in 2 ml of dry DMSO. Maintain a nitrogen blanket over the reaction to prevent oxidation. The use of a 3-necked flask and a heating mantle is recommended to control mixing and the proper temperature. 

Add with mixing, a 300-fold molar excess of a sugar lactone derivative, such as o-b-D-galactopyranosyl-( 1 - 4)-D-glucono-l,5-lactone (2.6 gm) dissolved in 3 ml of DMSO. 

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