Table 2.
Commonly used cross-linkers and the functional groups they target
| Functional group | Cross-linker |
|---|---|
| Carboxyl (directly to amine) | Carbodiimide (EDC, DCC, DIC) |
| Amine | NHS ester; imidoester; PFP ester |
| Sulfhydryl | Maleimide; haloacetyl (Br or I); pyridyldisulfide |
| Aldehyde (carbonyls—oxidized carbohydrates) | Hydrazide |
| Any group (nonselective) | Diazirine (photoreactive); aryl azide (photoreactive) |
| Hydroxyl (nonaqueous) | Isocyanate (PMPI) |
-
Functional groups in proteins and the reactive groups that target them are listed from the most popular (top) to those less commonly used (bottom).
