Affinity ligands for glycoprotein purification based on the multi-component Ugi reaction.

•The lead ligand is capable of binding glycoproteins under physiological conditions.•The Ugi ligand displays affinity to glucose oxidase and interacts with the glycoprotein through its carbohydrate moiety.•The lead ligand exhibits sugar specificity.•Boronic acid group play an important role in sugar binding.•The solid phase Ugi scaffold can generate cost-effective ligands for glycoprotein purification.