Click chemistry, originally developed a decade ago by K. Barry Sharpless in California, USA, allows chemists to make new substances quickly and reliably by joining together simple molecular building blocks.

Researchers at Wuhan University, China, have used the technology to functionalize biocompatible and non-toxic polymers that could be used in tissue engineering and drug-delivery systems. The types of functionalization introduced, endow the materials with useful properties such as improved hydrophobicity, a better toxicity profile, and the option to make them biodegradable under physiological conditions.

Image: (c) Andy Washnik/Wiley archive

• Preparation of Azido Polycarbonates and Their Functionalization via Click Chemistry
  X. Zhang, Z. Zhong, R. Zhuo,
  Macromol. 2011.
  DOI: 10.1021/ma200137a