L-Azidoacetylmannosamine-Tetraacylated

N-azidoacetylmannosamine-tetraacylated (Ac4ManNAz) is an azide-containing metabolic glycoprotein labeling reagent that can be incorporated into the sialic acid biosynthesis pathway. The azide-modified protein is detected with either fluorescent alkynes or biotin alkyne. The acetyl groups increase cell permeability and allow the unnatural sugars to easily pass through the cell membrane. Carboxyesterases remove the acetyl groups once the monosaccharide is in the cell.