Biocompatible photoinduced CuAAC using sodium pyruvate

Sodium pyruvate, a natural intermediate produced during cellular metabolism, is commonly used in buffer solutions and media for biochemical applications. Here we show the use of sodium pyruvate (SP) as a reducing agent in a biocompatible aqueous photoinduced azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. This copper(i)catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition is triggered by SP under UV light irradiation, exhibits oxygen tolerance and temporal control, and provides a convenient alternative to current CuAAC systems, particularly for biomolecular conjugations.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the use of sodium pyruvate as a reducing agent in a biocompatible aqueous photoinduced azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction. Triggered by UV light irradiation, this reaction shows oxygen tolerance and temporal control, providing a convenient alternative to current CuAAC systems, especially for biomolecular conjugations.