Bio-click: Chemical reactions in complex systems
Bio-click: Chemical reactions in complex systems
We are a dynamic and interdisciplinary research group working at the crossroads of organic synthesis, macromolecular chemistry, and chemical biology. Our mission is to bring synthetic chemistry beyond the bench—into living systems—by developing tools that enable chemical reactions to occur directly inside biological environments.
Using cutting-edge bioconjugation methods and advanced (bio)polymer design, we engineer natural and synthetic macromolecules with programmable and responsive functions. By combining multiple orthogonal click and dynamic covalent reactions, we create hybrid materials that bridge stability with adaptability.
Our research explores the fundamental relationships between molecular structure and function, while paving the way for innovative materials in biomedical applications—from smart, biodegradable scaffolds to sustainable reaction platforms.
June 2025
Dominik gave a talk at the Dutch Peptide Symposium in Nijmegen, presenting recent work on how dynamic covalent chemistry can be harnessed to incorporate well-known small-molecule anticancer drugs into macrocyclic peptides. These conjugates were designed to selectively release the active drug inside cancer cells in response to endogenous stimuli.
May 2025
Dominik is serving as Guest Editor for a Special Issue on “Advanced Biomaterials in Cancer Therapeutics and Diagnosis” in the Journal of Functional Biomaterials. Grateful for the opportunity—and there’s more to come… stay tuned!
Schauenburg, Dominik, and Tanja Weil. "Not So Bioorthogonal Chemistry." Journal of the American Chemical Society (2025).
Schauenburg, Dominik, et al. "Macrocyclic Dual‐Locked “Turn‐On” Drug for Selective and Traceless Release in Cancer Cells." Angewandte Chemie 136.18 (2024): e202314143.
Schauenburg, Dominik, and Tanja Weil. "Chemical Reactions in Living Systems." Advanced Science 11.8 (2024): 2303396.
Schauenburg, Dominik, et al. "Synthesis of Polymers Containing Potassium Acyltrifluoroborates (KATs) and Post‐polymerization Ligation and Conjugation." Angewandte chemie 132.34 (2020): 14764-14771