thiollinked

Thiol-linked refers to a chemical linkage where a thiol group (a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, represented as -SH) is covalently attached to another molecule. This linkage is a common and important feature in many biological and chemical systems. In biological contexts, thiols are often found in cysteine residues of proteins. The formation of a disulfide bond (-S-S-) between two cysteine residues is a specific type of thiol linkage that plays a crucial role in stabilizing the three-dimensional structure of proteins. This linkage can be formed through oxidation of two thiol groups.

Beyond protein structure, thiol-linked molecules have applications in various fields. For instance, in drug delivery systems, thiols can be used to conjugate drugs to targeting molecules or carriers, allowing for more precise delivery to specific cells or tissues. The reactivity of the thiol group makes it suitable for forming stable covalent bonds under physiological conditions. In materials science, thiol linkages are employed in creating self-assembled monolayers on surfaces, particularly gold, which are used in biosensors and nanotechnology. The strong affinity between sulfur and gold facilitates the formation of highly ordered layers. The term "thiollinked" generally implies a stable connection formed via the sulfur atom of a thiol group.