Achieving Controlled Biomolecule–Biomaterial Conjugation

• Published in: Chemical reviews Vol. 118; no. 16; pp. 7702 - 7743
• Main Authors: Spicer, Christopher D, Pashuck, E. Thomas, Stevens, Molly M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Chemical Society 22.08.2018
• Subjects: Biochemistry; Biocompatible Materials - chemistry; Biological activity; Biomedical materials; Biomolecules; Cellular biology; Conjugation; Glycan; Medicin och hälsovetenskap; Molecular biology; Oligonucleotides - chemistry; Organic chemistry; Peptides - chemistry; Polysaccharides - chemistry; Review
• ISSN: 0009-2665; 1520-6890; 1520-6890
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00253

The conjugation of biomolecules can impart materials with the bioactivity necessary to modulate specific cell behaviors. While the biological roles of particular polypeptide, oligonucleotide, and glycan structures have been extensively reviewed, along with the influence of attachment on material structure and function, the key role played by the conjugation strategy in determining activity is often overlooked. In this review, we focus on the chemistry of biomolecule conjugation and provide a comprehensive overview of the key strategies for achieving controlled biomaterial functionalization. No universal method exists to provide optimal attachment, and here we will discuss both the relative advantages and disadvantages of each technique. In doing so, we highlight the importance of carefully considering the impact and suitability of a particular technique during biomaterial design.