Click Chemistry for Biotechnology and Materials Science

Book excerpt: Mimicking natural biochemical processes, click chemistry is a modular approach to organic synthesis, joining together small chemical units quickly, efficiently and predictably. In contrast to complex traditional synthesis, click reactions offer high selectivity and yields, near-perfect reliability and exceptional tolerance towards a wide range of functional groups and reaction conditions. These ‘spring loaded’ reactions are achieved by using a high thermodynamic driving force, and are attracting tremendous attention throughout the chemical community. Originally introduced with the focus on drug discovery, the concept has been successfully applied to materials science, polymer chemistry and biotechnology. The first book to consider this topic, Click Chemistry for Biotechnology and Materials Science examines the fundamentals of click chemistry, its application to the precise design and synthesis of macromolecules, and its numerous applications in materials science and biotechnology. The book surveys the current research, discusses emerging trends and future applications, and provides an important nucleation point for research. Edited by one of the top 100 young innovators with the greatest potential to have an impact on technology in the 21st century according to Technology Review and with contributions from pioneers in the field, Click Chemistry for Biotechnology and Materials Science provides an ideal reference for anyone wanting to learn more about click reactions.