Well-defined multifunctional diblock copolymers with terminal functional groups were synthesized by the combination of cationic ring opening polymerization (CROP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer radical (RAFT) polymerization. Poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL)-based biodegradable macro-RAFT agent was synthesized by CROP of CL from hydroxylated RAFT agents. Subsequently, thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) derivative was propagated using the biodegradable macro-RAFT agent. Obtained polymers highly preserved terminal dithiobenzoate groups, which were easily converted to thiol groups by aminolysis. Therefore, biotin-maleimide was able to be reacted with terminal group. The present method was promising for preparing block copolymer-based multi-functional polymeric micelles.
- Jun Akimoto
- Masamichi Nakayama
- Teruo Okano
