Methods for Introdusing Fluorescent Labels into Polysaccharides

Polysaccharides are widely represented in plants and bacteria, where they are distinguished by their extraordinary structural diversity and the performance of various functions. To study the functions of polysaccharides, their fluorescent labeling is needed. This review discusses methods for introducing fluorescent labels into polysaccharides by chemical modification of certain functional groups of these complex biopolymers, as well as using the so-called bioorthogonal reactions, which allow labeling in a cell without affecting its viability. In addition to modification with organic dyes, the possibility of using quantum dots and coordination compounds of lanthanides is also discussed.