Block copolymer synthesis using free-radical polymerization and thiol-maleimide 'click' conjugation.

ABSTRACT: A method of making block copolymers utilizing free-radical polymerization and subsequent polymer conjugation is described. A disulphide functional radical initiator was used to polymerize methacrylic acid and 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid. After purification, the disulphide bond of the end group was cleaved, revealing a thiol group which was used for subsequent conjugation to a polylactide containing the complementary maleimide functional group. The method is versatile and can be applied to the synthesis of various block copolymers without requiring the use of controlled/living radical polymerization methods.

SUBMITTER: Rambarran T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9042902 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature