Click-chemistry for nanoparticle-modification

Both function and use of nanoparticles (NPs) to a great extent are dominated by interfacial energies, which in turn can be addressed by chemical modifications. This article focuses exclusively on the use of 'click'-chemistry for NP-surface modification, also putting a major focus on the application of the resulting NPs in bio- and nanoscience. As 'click'-chemistry is a universal method to link reaction partners in high efficiency, solvent insensitivity and at moderate reaction conditions, its use for engineering NP surfaces has become widespread. The basic approach of Cu(I)-catalyzed azide/alkyne 'click' (CuAAC) chemistry for NP-science is elucidated in this article, together with the applications of the resulting surface modified NPs in medicine, nanotechnology and bioassay-science.