Diels-Alder Cycloaddition in Protein Chemistry

The Diels-Alder reaction is probably, together with aldol condensation, the most commonly used reaction in chemistry. The Diels-Alder approach, which involves a diene and a dienophile not present in any biomolecule, allows a chemo-selective reaction without the need of protecting groups. Moreover, water has an extraordinary rate-accelerating effect on the reaction process. Thus, this chemical approach has been recognized as a promising procedure for protein bioconjugation. In this review some of the most recent advances in the application of the Die Is-Alder reaction in selective surface modification, immobilization and biocatalysis will be discussed.