Bioorthogonal labelling of biomolecules: new functional handles and ligation methods

Abstract

This review provides a literature overview of bioorthogonal ligation methods for protein modification, which have largely evolved over the last 15 years. Since 1990, various new reactions have been developed that do not involve naturally occurring functional handles. Especially the development of such so-called bioorthogonal ligations has significantly contributed to our ability to selectively modify biomolecules not only in the test tube, but also in living systems.