Block copolymer synthesis using free-radical polymerization and thiol–maleimide ‘click’ conjugation

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 …