Click chemistry describes a class of chemical reactions that use bio-orthogonal or biologically unique moieties to label and detect a molecule of interest in mild, aqueous conditions. DBCO alkynes can be used to perform click reactions with azide-modified targets without the use of heavy metal catalysis. DBCO reactions are ideal for surface labeling of live cells and also minimize damage to fluorescent proteins like GFP or R-PE.

The biotin DBCO is reactive with azide via a Strain-promoted Azide-Alkyne Click Chemistry reaction (SPAAC). Biotin can be subsequently detected with streptavidin, avidin or NeutrAvidin® biotin-binding protein.

Efficiency—the click reaction is complete in less than 1 hour;

Specificity—the reaction between the label and detection tag is selective and specific;

Stability—the reaction product contains an irreversible, covalent bond;

Biologically inert—the components of the reaction do not undergo any side reactions.