Figure 1.

A bio-orthogonal chemistry-based strategy for concentration and activation of systemically administered antibiotic prodrugs. (A) Tz-modified alginate gel (TAG) is injected into the infected area. (B) An antibiotic, covalently modified with a TCO (prodrug), is given to the patient. (C) When the prodrug and the TAG come in contact, the IEDDA reaction enhances the amount of antibiotic present near the infected site. (D) The resulting cycloaddition product spontaneously isomerizes, releasing an equivalent of carbon dioxide and most importantly the active antibiotic.