Synthesis and characterisation of glucose-functional glycopolymers and gold nanoparticles: study of their potential interactions with ovine red blood cells.

•This research studies how glucose-rich nanostructures interact with erythrocytes.•Glycopolymers were obtained by RAFT polymerisation of a glucose-methacrylamide.•Gold nanoparticles were decorated with glucose on their corona.•Several assays revealed no evidence of polymer binding to the cells.•The results suggest glucose rich polymers are compatible with erythrocytes.