Peyton Shieh and Carolyn R. Bertozzi
Org. Biomol. Chem., 2014,12, 9307-9320
DOI:
10.1039/C4OB01632G,
Review Article
Bioorthogonal chemistry has enabled the selective labeling and detection of biomolecules in living systems. Bioorthogonal smart probes, which become fluorescent or deliver imaging or therapeutic agents upon reaction, allow for the visualization of biomolecules or targeted delivery even in the presence of excess unreacted probe. This review discusses the strategies used in the development of bioorthogonal smart probes and highlights the potential of these probes to further our understanding of biology.