In terms of amino acids, we added a broad variety of unnatural derivatives suitable for Click- and Click-like reactions to our portfolio. Besides various azide- and alkyne-functionalized building blocks undergoing classical Click Chemistry, we introduced the class of 2-cyanopyridines and 1,2-aminothiols, which can undergo a click-like reaction forming 2-thiazolines. This reaction is biorthogonal, biocompatible, catalyst-free, and selective; it proceeds readily in aqueous solutions at physiological pH and ambient temperature, thus adding an additional tool for targeted peptide and protein modification. Moreover, 1,2-aminothiols undergo Click-like reactions with cyclopropenones and cyanobenzothiazoles, respectively.

Non-canonical amino acids represent powerful tools for peptide modification, binding analysis, and overall performance increase. In this regard, we also added certain trifluoromethylthio-substituted amino acids. The introduction of fluorine residues decreases the electron density in the adjacent system and increases the polarity of the modified molecule. Especially the SCF₃ group is known for its high lipophilicity (even higher than that of the trifluoromethyl group). Thus, the incorporation of this building block may lead to a higher membrane permeability and increased peptide stability against proteolytic degradation.

But there are many more applications for unnatural amino acids. At Iris, we are now offering a selection of protected carboxymethylated amino acid derivatives, which can be conveniently incorporated by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS). More than 1000 sites of potential protein carboxymethylation have been identified in the proteome of primary human cells. Carboxymethylated amino acids are formed in vivo by non-enzymatic reactions with glyoxal or methylglyoxal, which are found in increased concentrations when their detoxification pathways are impaired, and are thus being investigated.

Besides, further light-responsive photo(caged) amino acids were included as well as tetraydropyran side-chain protected derivatives.

For peptide synthesis - especially in aqueous media and polar solvents, we further expanded our selection of TentaGel® resins. Through the attachment of polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains to the polystyrene core, the swelling behavior, especially in hydrophilic solvents such as water and methanol, is considerably increased which allows for a broader range of chemistry to be performed.

Regarding drug delivery and LNP formulation, we included several multifunctional PEGs, oligomeric sarcosine building blocks, and oleyl sarcosines to our portfolio.

The most important parameter describing a polymer is the degree of polymerization (“DP”), which describes the number of monomeric units in a polymeric molecule. If a polymer consists of only one single molecular weight species (= a defined number n of repeating units), the polymer is called “homopolymer” or “uniform”. However, most polymers consist of a range of species with an average mass and a distribution of n around a mean value. These polymers are referred to as “polydisperse”, “disperse”, or “non-uniform”. For most applications, the narrower this distribution, the better. To reach reproducible results, it is crucial to work with highly pure polymers of good batch-to-batch reproducibility.

Concerning life science applications, we added further biotinylation reagents and labeled building blocks, e.g. bearing a carboxyfluorescein, EDANS, or AMC moiety. Especially for food analysis, we included even more Maillard Reaction Products.

For the growing field of antibody-drug-conjugates and linker technologies, we further expanded our portfolio and added pH-sensitive linkers, which will soon be advertised in one of our newsletters.

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