Synthesis of a Polymeric Doxorubicin Derivative and its Evaluation Using IR and UV Spectroscopy

Abstract

Poly(t-butylmethacrylate) with the optimal molecular-weight characteristics (M n = 12,400; MW/M n = 1.35) for biocompatible polymers was synthesized by radical polymerization in the presence of thioglycolic acid as a chain transfer agent. The obtained polymer was converted by acid hydrolysis into a water-soluble copolymer of t-butylmethacrylate and methacrylic acid of 20:80 mass%, respectively. The copolymer of t-butylmethacrylate and methacrylic acid was modified with folic acid, which has affinity for tumor cells. A conjugate of the copolymer with doxorubicin and also a conjugate containing folate vector were synthesized. Their formation was proved using IR and UV spectroscopy.