Bioorthogonal Functionalization of Material Surfaces with Bioactive Molecules.

The functionalization of material surfaces with biologically active molecules is crucial for enabling technologies in life sciences, biotechnology, and medicine. However, achieving biocompatibility and bioorthogonality with current synthetic methods remains a challenge. We report herein a novel surface functionalization method that proceeds chemoselectively and without a free transition metal catalyst.

MicroRNA detection in biologically relevant media using a split aptamer platform.

MicroRNA (miRNA)-based intercellular communication has been implicated in many functional and dysfunctional biological processes. This has raised interest in the potential use of miRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. Though the list of clinically significant miRNA biomarkers is expanding, it remains challenging to adapt current chemical tools to investigate miRNAs in complex environments native to cells and tissues.