A Comprehensive 5K Plus Glycan Microarray

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Project Summary / Abstract The Glycan Array has proven a valuable tool in the study of glycans. Comparatively the Glycan Array gives the greatest view of glycan binding specificity for the lowest cost in terms of analytical turn-around time and financial cost. The Glycan Array is far from well optimized in our mind. There are three key limitations to an array-based approach with high throughput glycan-protein interaction profiling: 1) glycan arrays suffer from a systematic lack of sensitivity, 2) current array providers lack comprehensive glycan libraries with scalable synthetic routes, and 3) physiological glycan binding is intricate and complex and requires a lengthy analysis process. In Phase I we sought out to find solutions for each of these limitations. First, we developed a first of its kind Glycan Array that can analyze glycan binding avidity not just affinity. Second, we partnered with an elite group of chemists to produce a glycan library containing ~900 glycan structures, which is larger than that of the CFG and one of the largest ever. Third, we partnered with a group of data scientists and bioinformaticians to create a robust software package that automates the entire array data analysis process. Over the last three years we have formed valuable relationships with researchers and clinicians in research institutes, pharmaceutical companies and public health sectors. Z Biotech is perfectly positioned to facilitate the supply for increasing demand for biomedically relevant glycan arrays. In each of these endeavors Z Biotech sincerely thanks to the support of this SBIR grant. Now in Phase II we are seeking funds to continue to find solutions for these key limitations in Glycan Array. First, we will continue to invest heavily in R&D to ensure that our arrays offer superior insights compared to our competitors. We will also use funds from Phase II to scale up production to accommodate increasing demand. Second, we will team with Dr. Lei Li’s group at Georgia State University. Dr. Li is an outstanding glyco-scientist with experience in production of complex glycans, sugar nucleotides and glycan-related enzymes. With his effort we will maintain our current glycan library and add ~2,000 new glycan structures in Phase II. Third, we will complete Z Biotech’s custom software package. In Phase II we will bring this first of its kind glycan array data analysis package or solution to market.