Amino acidic scaffolds bearing unnatural side chains: an old idea generates new and versatile tools for the life sciences.

The unnatural amino acids (UAAs) are members of a class of molecules with relevant impacts in the life sciences. Due to the role of these molecules in the modulation of the chemical and physical properties of biological and inorganic materials, UAAs have attracted increasing interest in recent years. The aim of this review is to highlight (i) the most recent and innovative synthetic routes for the preparation of UAAs, (ii) the recently marketed UAA-based drugs, and (iii) the most promising technological applications involving novel UAA-containing molecular entities.