Abstract: A review on the principles and applications of boronic acids as affinity ligands for the chromatographic separation of carbohydrates, nucleic acid components, glycoproteins, and other small biomolecules. The mechanisms of interactions between boronate ligands and analytes are described. Various boronate ligands and supports are discussed. Examples of the use of boronate affinity chromatography for separation of each class of analytes are presented.

Key words: borate, boronate, boronate affinity chromatography, boronic acids, separation of glycoproteins