Photocatalytic glycosylation of peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids

Glycosylated biomolecules, including peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids, play a key role in studying biological processes integral to both physiology and disease. The glycosylation of peptides and proteins has been established as a robust strategy to enhance the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of peptide- and protein-based therapeutics. This field has witnessed substantial advancements driven by chemical innovation, particularly with the advent of novel photo-promoted glycosylation reactions, which are distinguished by their enhanced sustainability and biocompatibility. This review summarizes the recent progress in the development of photo-promoted glycosylation strategies for biomolecules, including peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids, under conditions that are mild and often biocompatible. Additionally, it highlights representative examples, elucidates the underlying mechanisms, and discusses the synthetic applications of these photo-promoted glycosylation reactions.