Recognition of glycosaminoglycan chemical patterns using an unbiased sensor array

A sensor array composed of eight functionalized gold nanoparticles and a fluorescent polymer was utilized to identify 11 glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) by their chemical signatures. Particle ligand structure was key in differentiating analytes, with aromatic and specific sugar functionalities recognizing GAG structural parameters including sulfonation, acetylation, epimeric structure, size, and charge.