Jorge M. M. Verkade

Bio: Jorge M. M. Verkade is an academic researcher from Radboud University Nijmegen. The author has contributed to research in topics: Sulfamide & Amine gas treating. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 37 publications receiving 1130 citations. Previous affiliations of Jorge M. M. Verkade include DSM.

Organocatalysed asymmetric Mannich reactions.

Abstract: The asymmetric Mannich reaction ranks among the most potent enantioselective and diastereoselective C–C-bond forming reactions. In recent years, organocatalysed versions of asymmetric Mannich processes have been increasingly reported and used in a rapidly growing number of applications. This tutorial review provides an overview of the recent history of the asymmetric organocatalysed Mannich reaction, including scope and limitations, and application of different catalyst systems.

Genetic encoding of a bicyclo[6.1.0]nonyne-charged amino acid enables fast cellular protein imaging by metal-free ligation

Abstract: Visualizing biomolecules by fluorescent tagging is a powerful method for studying their behaviour and function inside cells. We prepared and genetically encoded an unnatural amino acid (UAA) that features a bicyclononyne moiety. This UAA offered exceptional reactivity in strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloadditions. Kinetic measurements revealed that the UAA reacted also remarkably fast in the inverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder cycloaddition with tetrazine-conjugated dyes. Genetic encoding of the new UAA inside mammalian cells and its subsequent selective labeling at low dye concentrations demonstrate the usefulness of the new amino acid for future imaging studies.

Emergence of single-molecular chirality from achiral reactants.

Abstract: The synthesis of enantiopure molecules from achiral precursors without the need for pre-existing chirality is a major challenge associated with the origin of life. We here show that an enantiopure product can be obtained from achiral starting materials in a single organic reaction. An essential characteristic of this reaction is that the chiral product precipitates from the solution, introducing a crystal-solution interface which functions as an asymmetric autocatalytic system that provides sufficient chiral amplification to reach an enantiopure end state. This approach not only provides more insight into the origin of life but also offers a pathway to acquire enantiopure compounds for industrial applications.

Strategies and challenges for the next generation of antibody–drug conjugates

Abstract: Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are one of the fastest growing classes of oncology therapeutics. After half a century of research, the approvals of brentuximab vedotin (in 2011) and trastuzumab emtansine (in 2013) have paved the way for ongoing clinical trials that are evaluating more than 60 further ADC candidates. The limited success of first-generation ADCs (developed in the early 2000s) informed strategies to bring second-generation ADCs to the market, which have higher levels of cytotoxic drug conjugation, lower levels of naked antibodies and more-stable linkers between the drug and the antibody. Furthermore, lessons learned during the past decade are now being used in the development of third-generation ADCs. In this Review, we discuss strategies to select the best target antigens as well as suitable cytotoxic drugs; the design of optimized linkers; the discovery of bioorthogonal conjugation chemistries; and toxicity issues. The selection and engineering of antibodies for site-specific drug conjugation, which will result in higher homogeneity and increased stability, as well as the quest for new conjugation chemistries and mechanisms of action, are priorities in ADC research.

The past, present and potential for microfluidic reactor technology in chemical synthesis

Abstract: The successes and failures of past research in the development of microfluidic reactors for chemical synthesis are highlighted. Current roadblocks are assessed and a series of challenges for the future of this area are identified.