Glycan-induced fluorescence enhancement using a molecular rotor–boronic acid conjugate

Fluorescent molecular rotors (FMRs) are known for their sensitivity to changes in viscosity and confinement. Here, we show that a boronic acid conjugate of the rotor dye CCVJ exhibits strong enhancements in fluorescence upon binding to complex glycans. Glycan-induced fluorescence enhancement (GIFE) operates at low and high viscosity.