Lectin-immobilization strategies for affinity purification and separation of glycoconjugates

Given the high specificity of plant lectins, it is not surprising that their immobilized forms are more and more frequently used for affinity-based analysis of glycoproteins. Common lectin-immobilization techniques range from reversible, non-covalent attachments to covalent immobilization onto a vast palette of substrates (e.g., agarose, silica, and polymeric materials). This article gives an overview of recently reported strategies in lectin immobilization to different stationary phases in chromatography and electrophoresis in order to support lectin-affinity-interaction-based bioseparation methodologies.