Efficient thiol–ene click reactions of acryloyl-labeled carbohydrates on mammalian cell surfaces

Abstract

We present a method for noninvasive surface engineering of mammalian cells using thiol–ene click reactions with acryloyl-labeled carbohydrates. This optimized process allows rapid and efficient light-assisted ligation of thiol-bearing molecules on cells. Compared to methacryloyl analogues, acryloyl groups exhibited superior reactivity and versatility. Effective immobilization of DNA aptamers for targeted cell capture was enabled.