Click-chemistry-conjugated oligo-angiomax in the two-dimensional DNA lattice and its interaction with thrombin

Click-based functionalization of a 2'-O-propargyl-modified branched DNA nanostructure

DNA has emerged as a versatile building block for programmable self-assembly. DNA-based nanostructures have been widely applied in biosensing, bioimaging, drug delivery, molecular computation and macromolecular scaffolding. A variety of strategies have been developed to functionalize these nanostructures. In this study, we report a facile click-based strategy to incorporate a metal chelating ligand and a fluorescent tag into a three-point-star DNA tile containing 2'-O-propargyl groups. Such a strategy opens up the possibility of functionalizing pre-assembled DNA strands to construct platforms for metal or drug delivery.

Carbon nanotubes functionalized by click chemistry as scaffolds for the preparation of electrochemical immunosensors. Application to the determination of TGF-beta 1 cytokine

The first electrochemical immunosensor for TGF-β1 cytokine in human serum based on carbon nanotubes functionalized by click chemistry is reported.

Assessment of the Full Compatibility of Copper(I)-Catalyzed Alkyne-Azide Cycloaddition and Oxime Click Reactions for bis-Labelling of Oligonucleotides

The conjugation of oligonucleotides with reporters is of great interest for improving their intrinsic properties or endowing new ones. In this context, we report herein a new procedure for the bis-labelling of oligonucleotides through oxime ligation (Click-O) and copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (Click-H). 5′-Azido and 3′-aldehyde precursors were incorporated into oligonucleotides, and subsequent coupling reactions through Click-O and Click-H (or vice versa) were successfully achieved. In particular, we exhaustively investigated the full compatibility of each required step for both tethering strategies. The results demonstrate that click Huisgen and click oxime reactions are fully compatible. However, whilst both approaches can deliver the targeted doubly conjugated oligonucleotide, the route involving click oxime ligation prior to click Huisgen is significantly more successful. Thus the reactions investigated here can be considered to be key elements of the chemical toolbox for the synthesis of highly sophisticated bioconjugates.

Versatile introduction of azido moiety into oligonucleotides through diazo transfer reaction

The use of a diazo transfer (DZT) reagent enables clean and efficient conversion of aminated oligodeoxyribonucleotides (ODNs) into their azido counterparts under mild conditions. ODNs bearing an amino tether at the 3', 5', or any internal position could be modified in this manner thus demonstrating the versatility of this reaction. Easy access to such azido-modified ODNs is of great interest for conjugation in particular through copper catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC reaction).

Strain-promoted "click" chemistry for terminal labeling of DNA

1,3-Dipolar [3 + 2] cycloaddition between azides and alkynes--an archetypal "click" chemistry--has been used increasingly for the functionalization of nucleic acids. Copper(I)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions between alkyne-tagged DNA molecules and azides work well, but they require optimization of multiple reagents, and Cu ions are known to mediate DNA cleavage. For many applications, it would be preferable to eliminate the Cu(I) catalyst from these reactions. Here, we describe the solid-phase synthesis and characterization of 5'-dibenzocyclooctyne (DIBO)-modified oligonucleotides, using a new DIBO phosphoramidite, which react with azides via copper-free, strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC). We found that the DIBO group not only survived the standard acidic and oxidative reactions of solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis (SPOS), but that it also survived the thermal cycling and standard conditions of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). As a result, PCR with DIBO-modified primers yielded "clickable" amplicons that could be tagged with azide-modified fluorophores or immobilized on azide-modified surfaces. Given its simplicity, SPAAC on DNA could streamline the bioconjugate chemistry of nucleic acids in a number of modern biotechnologies.

Integrin targeted delivery of gene therapeutics

Integrins have become key targets for molecular imaging and for selective delivery of anti-cancer agents. Here we review recent work concerning the targeted delivery of antisense and siRNA oligonucleotides via integrins. A variety of approaches have been used to link oligonucleotides to ligands capable of binding integrins with high specificity and affinity. This includes direct chemical conjugation, incorporating oligonucleotides into lipoplexes, and use of various polymeric nanocarriers including dendrimers. The ligand-oligonucleotide conjugate or complex associates selectively with the integrin, followed by internalization into endosomes and trafficking through subcellular compartments. Escape of antisense or siRNA from the endosome to the cytosol and nucleus may come about through endogenous trafficking mechanisms, or because of membrane disrupting capabilities built into the conjugate or complex. Thus a variety of useful strategies are available for using integrins to enhance the pharmacological efficacy of therapeutic oligonucleotides.

DNA-based nanostructures for molecular sensing

Nanotechnology has opened up new avenues towards ultra-sensitive, highly selective detection of biological molecules and toxic agents, as well as for therapeutic targeting and screening. Though the goals may seem singular, there is no universal method to identify or detect a molecular target. Each system is application-specific and must not only identify the target, but also transduce this interaction into a meaningful signal rapidly, reliably, and inexpensively. This review focuses on the current capabilities and future directions of DNA-based nanostructures in sensing and detection.