Sticky mussels and click chemistry

Messersmith group contributed significantly in revealing the mechanism how mussels stick firmly to a variety of surfaces (Science 2007, 318, 426). Early 2010, this nature-inspired, dopamine-based polymerization was further developed by the same group into a surgical glue now in trials. 

Now Muller group married dopamine chemistry and click chemistry for the functionalization of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The dopamine linker with an alkyne group allows for supersticky coating AND superb subsequent modifications via click chemistry. 

Macromolecular Rapid Communications, first published online: 8 JUL 2010

DOI: 10.1002/marc.201000193

Indeed the strategies can pave the way for a simple and universal functionalization for any kind of surface.
                     

Allozyne licenses Click Chemistry from Scripps

One of the busy phone rings on the desk of Scripps Tech Transfer Office?

On July 15, 2010 Allozyne Inc. announced the signing of a worldwide licensing agreement with The Scripps Research Institute. It provides Allozyne with a license to apply click chemistry for exclusive development in key therapeutic fields in addition to a non-exclusive license for diagnostic applications. Allozyne’s biociphering platforms, CAESAR and VIGENÈRE, enable the site-specific incorporation of these “Click” components into virtually any protein and thereby provide a unique site at which any number of payloads can be securely attached - polymers, small molecules, antibodies, toxins, additional proteins and peptides - for building therapeutics not previously possible.

Notably, among the Scientific Advisory Board of Allozyne, are Barry Sharpless and David A. Tirrell, both of whom are listed in this blog's Click Chemistry Links.