Chemical labeling of biomacromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, and polynucleotides provided the deeper understanding of their biological roles in multifaceted ways as well as numerous types of their conjugates for therapeutic and material applications. Although selective chemical reactions on such large, polyfunctional molecules in aqueous media are challenging from the organic chemistry point of view, there has been a significant lack of research developing bioconjugation processes in nonaqueous media that are conducive for both facilitating the organic chemistry reactions and retaining structure/functions/activities of biomolecules. Our research program focuses on chemical modification of biomolecules or bioconjugation using nontraditional media, termed Bioconjugation In Nonaqueous-Driven Solvents (BINDRS). As a proof-of-concept study, we developed phosphine-mediated amine-azide coupling reactions in ionic liquid that can be applicable to a variety of amine-containing substrates including peptides, proteins, DNA, polysaccharides, antibiotics, and anti-tumor agents. The ionic liquid-based approach did not indicate any noticeable negative effects on activities/functions of the tested biomolecules such as an antibody and DNA aptarmer, and the current and future studies are aimed at further expanding the capabilities of the BINDRS approach.

Bioconjugation in ionic liquid using a phosphine-mediated amine-azide coupling reaction

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.