The nature of cell membrane fluidity permits glycans, which are attached to membrane proteins and lipids, to freely diffuse on cell surfaces. Through such two-dimensional motion, some weakly binding glycans can participate in lectin binding processes, eventually changing lectin binding behaviors. This chapter discusses a plasmonic nanocube sensor that allows users to detect lectin binding kinetics in a cell membrane mimicking environment. This assay only requires standard laboratory spectrometers, including microplate readers. We describe the basics of the technology in detail, including sensor fabrication, sensor calibration, data processing, a general protocol for detecting lectin-glycan interactions, and a troubleshooting guide.
Keywords: Fluidic membrane; Glycan array; Hetero-multivalency; Lectin; Localized surface plasmon resonance; Multivalent binding; Nanocube sensor; Reduction of dimensionality; Supported lipid bilayer.
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