ICP-MS-based multiplex profiling of glycoproteins using lectins conjugated to lanthanide-chelating polymers

Lectins have been increasingly important in the study of glycoproteins. Here, we report a glycoprofiling method based on the covalent attachment of metal-chelating polymers to lectins for use in an ICP-MS-based assay. The labeled lectins are able to distinguish between glycoproteins covalently attached to a microtiter plate and their binding can be directly quantified by ICP-MS. Since each conjugate contains a different lanthanide, the assays can be conducted in a single or multiplex fashion, and may be readily elaborated to many different assay formats.