• Lectin microarrays enable high-throughput, sensitive profiling of glycan patterns in diverse clinical samples, offering advantages over traditional methods like mass spectrometry.
• The technology has evolved since 2005 and now shows potential for clinical applications, particularly in diagnosing tumors, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammation.
• Glycosylation changes are more pronounced than other biological parameters in certain pathological conditions, making glycan biomarkers valuable for early disease diagnosis.
• The review highlights the need for standardized protocols and further validation to translate lectin microarray findings into routine clinical practice.