Abstract: Glycans are a class of potential signal molecules，they express on the forefront surface of cells and participate in many key biological processes via formatting various glycoconjugates. Mainly discusses the recent development of glycoconjugates in controlling drug targeting delivery and cancer cell imaging/detection. Overviews the glycoconjugates of folate， oligosaccharides as targeting moiety in drug targeting delivery sytstem. Meanwhile，elaborates the various glycoconjugates in tumor imaging /sensing，and points out the future prospects of glycoscience.

Key words: glycoconjugates, folate, oligosaccharides, drug targeting delivery, tumor imaging/ sensing