Bioorthogonal Click Chemistry: Swapping Laboratory Flasks with Living Organisms - 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

Mode of Event

• In-person: Registration closed and walk-ins are welcome.

• Zoom (Registration is NOT required): https://hkust.zoom.us/j/92242154669 (Webinar ID: 922 4215 4669 / Passcode: nobel2022)

Abstract

Over millions of years, biological species have evolved a very specific set of molecules (proteins, DNA, carbohydrates, lipids, etc) to facilitate complex life processes. The entire discipline of bioorthogonal chemistry is built on the idea of introducing selective chemical transformations into biological systems without affecting these native processes. These reactions, termed as click chemistry, have given scientists a ground-breaking tool to better explore and create novel applications in areas like chemical biology, drug discovery, and material sciences, among others. In this lecture, the speaker will highlight the discovery and development of copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), which has been the foundational centerpiece of click and bioorthogonal chemistry.


About the speaker

Prof. Kenward VONG started his research training as a biochemist from Queen's University (BScH, 2007) before moving on to study chemistry at McGill University (PhD, 2013). He then made the move to the RIKEN institute as a Postdoctoral Fellow (and later as a Research Scientist), where he primarily worked on adapting transition metal-catalyzed reactions for in vivo synthetic applications. He has been with HKUST since 2021 as an Assistant Professor of Chemistry.

Prof. Vong’s major research interest is geared towards investigating transition metal catalyzed reactions that can be adapted for various biological applications. He is also interested in designing protein-based therapeutics that incorporate elements of biocatalysis, controlled activity, and selective cell recognition.

 

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