biortogonaaliset

Biortogonaaliset is a Finnish term that translates to "bioorthogonal" in English. It refers to chemical reactions that can occur within living biological systems without interfering with native biochemical processes. This means the reactions do not interact with or disrupt the normal functions of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, or other molecules found in cells.

The development of bioorthogonal chemistry has opened up new avenues for studying and manipulating biological systems. Researchers can use these reactions to label specific biomolecules, track their movement within cells, or even deliver drugs to targeted locations. The key principle is the design of chemical functional groups that are "orthogonal," meaning they react selectively with each other and not with any of the numerous functional groups present in a biological environment.

Common bioorthogonal reactions include click chemistry, such as the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC). These reactions allow for the efficient and specific joining of two molecular components, one of which is introduced into the biological system and the other is attached to the target biomolecule.

The applications of bioorthogonal chemistry are vast and continue to expand. They are used in areas like chemical biology, drug discovery, diagnostics, and materials science. The ability to perform precise chemical modifications within living organisms without causing harm is a powerful tool for advancing our understanding of life and developing new therapeutic strategies.