Phenylboronic acid complexing reagents for conjugating biologically active molecules

Abstract

A new class of phenylboronic acid complexing reagents are provided capable of binding with phenylboronic acids is disclosed having one of the following structures: ##STR1## wherein group X is selected from H, CH.sub.3 and C.sub.6 H.sub.5 ; and groups Y and Z are selected from O and CH.sub.2 ; group Q is a spacer which is from 2 to 12 carbon equivalents in length, and which may contain intermediate amide and/or ether functionalities; and group R is a reactive electrophilic moiety suitable for conjugation of a phenylboronic acid complexing reagent with a biological macromolecular species, low molecular weight species or solid phase support having a reactive pendant nucleophilic moiety. The phenylboronic acid complexing reagents are utilized in conjunction with phenylboronic acid reagents to facilitate chemical conjugation without the use of intermediary biological macromolecules. The method of making and using such reagents is also disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.