Acid reactive linkers are a class of chemical compounds that have gained significant interest in recent years due to their diverse applications in various fields, including drug discovery and bioconjugation. These linkers are designed to be stable under physiological conditions, but reactive towards acidic environments, such as those found in endosomes and lysosomes. This reactivity allows for controlled release of the attached cargo, making them ideal for drug delivery applications.
One of the most commonly used acid reactive linkers is hydrazone, which is formed between an aldehyde or ketone group and a hydrazide or hydrazine derivative. Other acid reactive linkers include oxime and imine, which are also formed through the reaction between carbonyl groups and amine or hydroxyl groups.
acid reactive linkers provide a valuable tool for the design of targeted drug delivery systems, imaging agents, and biomaterials. The ability to precisely control the release of therapeutic or diagnostic agents is essential for achieving optimal efficacy and minimizing side effects.