Triazabutadienes as Cleavable Protein Linkers

This technology describes water-soluble triazabutadienes as cleavable cross-linkers. Upon changes in chemical conditions, triazabutadienes release a highly reactive diazonium species, enabling delivery of the cross-linked molecule. 

Background:
Cross-linking is becoming a valuable practice in chemistry, including for life science applications, with the advent of mass spectrometry. Using cross-linking and "click-chemistry" can enable unique chemical manipulations of linked proteins for various purposes, including drug delivery, diagnostics, and research.  Numerous factors can limit the usefulness of reagents, with solubility and pH being two primary factors.

Applications:

• Molecular and tissue diagnostics
• Clinical microbiology
• Drug development/release
• Genomic/proteomic studies
• Adhesives

Advantages:

• Adjustable to a wide range of cleavability conditions
• Adheres under water
• Can be customized to limit or extend reaction time in presence of water and low pH
• Uses click chemistry for an easier bonding method

Status: issued U.S. patents 9,593,080, 10,125,105, and 11,339,129