pH/temperature-sensitive 4-arm poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(amino urethane) copolymer hydrogels

A series of novel pH/temperature-sensitive 4-arm poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(amino urethane) copolymers was synthesized via addition polymerization. The resulting copolymers were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. Poly(amino urethane) (PAU) segment acts as a pH/temperature-sensitive block. The copolymer aqueous solutions showed a sol-to-gel-to-aggregation phase transition as a function of pH and temperature when the pH of the copolymer solution is higher than 6.8. The sol-gel phase transition could be controlled by varying the PAU block length and copolymer concentration. The gel window covers the physiological conditions and a white gel was formed rapidly after subcutaneously injecting the copolymer solution (30 wt%) into SD rats. The in vitro release of chlorambucil, an anticancer drug, was sustained over 14 days under physiological conditions.     

PEGylated block copolymers containing tertiary amine side-chains cleavable via acid-labile ortho ester linkages for pH-triggered release of DNA

A new type of acid-labile cationic copolymer consisting of a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block and a polymethacrylamide block bearing tertiary amines linked by acid-labile ortho ester rings in side chains (PAOE), with defined chain length, had been synthesized via RAFT polymerization. The copolymers could efficiently bind and condense plasmid DNA at neutral pH into narrowly dispersed nano-scale polyplexes. The hydrolysis of ortho ester group in the side-chains of PAOE followed a distinct exocyclic mechanism and the rate of hydrolysis was much accelerated at mildly acidic pH, resulting in the accelerated disruption of polyplexes and the release of intact plasmid DNA. The three polymers were not toxic to cultured COS-7 cells as measured by MTT assay. As expected, PEG segments of the PEG-b-PAOE copolymers prevented nonspecific transfection of COS-7 cells. Once conjugated to a targeting ligand to enhance cell-specific entry, PEG-b-PAOE with its pH-triggered DNA release properties may achieve efficient intracellular delivery of DNA or other nucleic acid therapeutics.     

Biodegradable Tri-Block Copolymer Poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lysine)(PLA-PEG-PLL) as a Non-Viral Vector to Enhance Gene Transfection

Low cytotoxicity and high gene transfection efficiency are critical issues in designing current non-viral gene delivery vectors. The purpose of the present work was to synthesize the novel biodegradable poly (lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lysine) (PLA-PEG-PLL) copolymer, and explore its applicability and feasibility as a non-viral vector for gene transport. PLA-PEG-PLL was obtained by the ring-opening polymerization of Lys(Z)-NCA onto amine-terminated NH₂-PEG-PLA, then acidolysis to remove benzyloxycarbonyl. The tri-block copolymer PLA-PEG-PLL combined the characters of cationic polymer PLL, PLA and PEG: the self-assembled nanoparticles (NPs) possessed a PEG loop structure to increase the stability, hydrophobic PLA segments as the core, and the primary ɛ-amine groups of lysine in PLL to electrostatically interact with negatively charged phosphate groups of DNA to deposit with the PLA core. The physicochemical properties (morphology, particle size and surface charge) and the biological properties (protection from nuclease degradation, plasma stability, in vitro cytotoxicity, and in vitro transfection ability in HeLa and HepG2 cells) of the gene-loaded PLA-PEG-PLL nanoparticles (PLA-PEG-PLL NPs) were evaluated, respectively. Agarose gel electrophoresis assay confirmed that the PLA-PEG-PLL NPs could condense DNA thoroughly and protect DNA from nuclease degradation. Initial experiments showed that PLA-PEG-PLL NPs/DNA complexes exhibited almost no toxicity and higher gene expression (up to 21.64% in HepG2 cells and 31.63% in HeLa cells) than PEI/DNA complexes (14.01% and 24.22%). These results revealed that the biodegradable tri-block copolymer PLA-PEG-PLL might be a very attractive candidate as a non-viral vector and might alleviate the drawbacks of the conventional cationic vectors/DNA complexes for gene delivery in vivo.     

pH-sensitive and bioadhesive poly(β-amino ester)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(β-amino ester) triblock copolymer hydrogels with potential for drug delivery in oral mucosal surfaces

A series of novel pH-sensitive triblock copolymers composed of poly(β-amino ester)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(β-amino ester) (PAE-PEG-PAE) were synthesized by conjugating poly(β-amino ester) to poly(ethylene glycol). The resulting polymers were characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR in CDCl₃ and gel permeation chromatography in tetrahydrofuran. The concentrated polymer solutions (30 wt%) exhibited a gel-to-sol transition in the pH range 6.4-7.8. The gel window spanned physiological conditions (37 °C, pH 7.4). After injection into a rat, the copolymer solution (30 wt%) changed to a gel in a short time. This copolymer hydrogel showed bioadhesive properties and in vitro release of lidocaine was controllable.     

Degradable poly(ester amine) based on poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate and polyethylenimine as a gene carrier

Degradable poly(ester amine) (PEA) based on poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PMEG) and polyethylenimine (PEI) were synthesized by Michael addition reaction. The ratios of PEI to PMEG in PEAs were 0.99, 1.02, and 1.07 with corresponding number‐average molecular weight of 1.3 × 10⁴, 1.2 × 10⁴, and 0.9 × 10⁴, respectively. Degradation rate of PEA at pH 7.4 was higher than that at pH 5.6. Good plasmid condensation and protection ability was shown when N/P molar ratio of PEA to DNA was above 15 (N: nitrogen element in PEA, P: phosphate in DNA). PEA/DNA complexes had positive zeta potential, narrow size distribution, good dispersity, and spheric shape with size below 250 nm when N/P ratio was above 30, suggestion of their endocytosis potential. Compared with PEI 25 KDa, the PEAs showed essential nontoxic to HeLa, HepG2 and 293T cells. With an increase in the molecular weight of PMEG, the transfection efficiency of PEAs in HeLa, HepG2 and 293T showed a tendency to decrease as well as the percent decrease of gene transfection efficiency with serum. The mechanism of PEA‐mediated gene transfection was attributed to “proton sponge effect” of PEI in the PEA. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

pH- and temperature-sensitive multiblock copolymer hydrogels composed of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(amino urethane)

A series of novel pH- and temperature-responsive multiblock copolymers (poly(PEG/HEP urethane)) consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(amino urethane) (PAU) were synthesized, and their physicochemical properties were studied. The amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized from PEG, 1,4-bis(hydroxyethyl) piperazine (HEP) and 1,6-diisocyanato hexamethylene (HDI) in the presence of dibutyltin dilaurate as a catalyst. The resulting polymers were examined by FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The solution properties of the copolymers were studied by turbidity measurement and fluorescence spectroscopy. The copolymers showed a pH-dependent soluble-insoluble transition in diluted aqueous solutions. The concentrated polymer solutions exhibited a thermo-induced sol-gel-sol phase transition at pH 6.8-7.4. The gel window covers the physiological conditions. After a subcutaneous injection of the multiblock copolymer solution into mice, a transparent and soft gel was formed immediately. The in vitro release of a model anticancer drug, chlorambucil, persisted over 2 weeks under physiological conditions.     

Synthesis of well-defined functional macromolecular chimeras based on poly(ethylene oxide) or poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone)

By using either NH₂-functionalized linear/4-arm star poly(ethylene oxide) or NH₂-TEMPO initiator, the following novel polymer/polypeptide hybrids (macromolecular chimeras) of poly(ethylene oxide), PEO and poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone), PNVP, were synthesized: PEO-b-(PBLG or PBLL), PEO-b-PBLL-b-PBLG, 4-arm star copolymer (PEO-b-PBLG)₄, PNVP-b-PBLG-b-PBLL, where PBLG is poly(γ-benzyl-l-glutamate) and PBLL, poly(tert-butyloxycarbonyl-l-lysine). The amino-groups are used for the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of α-amino acid carboxyanhydrides (NCAs), while TEMPO was employed for the polymerization of NVP. Molecular characterization revealed the high molecular weight and compositional homogeneity of the macromolecular chimeras prepared. The success of the synthesis was based on the recently developed living ROP of NCAs and controlled/living TEMPO polymerization, using high vacuum techniques.     

Synthesis and micellization of a new amphiphilic star-shaped poly(D,L-lactide)/polyphosphoester block copolymer

A new amphiphilic 4-arm star-shaped poly(D,L-lactide)/poly(ethyl ethylene phosphate) (ssPLA-b-PEEP) block copolymer was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of ethyl ethylene phosphate (EEP) with hydroxyl terminated 4-arm star-shaped poly(D,L-lactide) (ssPLA) as a macroinitiator, which was prepared by ring-opening polymerization of D,L-lactide (LA) initiated by pentaerythrite using stannous octoate as catalyst. The structures of the block copolymers were confirmed by IR, ¹H-NMR and GPC analysis. Fluorescence measurements were applied to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the copolymer micelle solutions. The diameter and the distribution of micelles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and the shape was perceived by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicated those copolymers formed nano-micelles in aqueous solution with hydrophobic poly(D,L-lactide) core and hydrophilic poly(ethyl ethylene phosphate) shell. The CMC of the copolymer solutions increased with the increments of the proportion of PEEP segments. TEM images demonstrated that all micelles were spherical.     

A new synthesis method and degradation of hyper-branched polyethylenimine grafted polycaprolactone block mono-methoxyl poly (ethylene glycol) copolymers (hy-PEI-g-PCL-b-mPEG) as potential DNA delivery vectors

Hyper-branched polyethylenimine grafted polycaprolactone block mono-methoxyl poly (ethylene glycol) copolymer (hy-PEI-g-PCL-b-mPEG) was obtained through the conjugation of mPEG-PCL with hyper-branched PEI (hy-PEI) based on the Michael addition. mPEG-PCL was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of caprolactone using mPEG as the initiator. Compared earlier syntheses, this method offered a reduced number of reaction steps, milder reaction conditions, and a more efficient purification process. FTIR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra proved the structure of the copolymers and controllability of this new synthesis method. Using ¹H NMR spectroscopy the degradation of these copolymers was evaluated. Cytotoxicity of copolymers and gene transfection efficiency of polyplexes displayed prominent composition dependence. Increasing the graft density of mPEG-PCL on hy-PEI and longer lengths of both PCL and mPEG within the copolymers investigated here reduced transfection and cytotoxicity on A549 cells. The hy-PEI-g-PCL-b-mPEG copolymers with very short PCL segments (342 Da and 570 Da) demonstrated 6-fold higher transfection efficiency than hy-PEI25k on A549 cells. The polyplexes of the most promising candidate, hy-PEI25k-g-(PCL570-b-mPEG2k)₁, exhibited lower hemolysis compared to those of hy-PEI25k.     

Synthesis and physicochemical characterization of amphiphilic block copolymers bearing acid-sensitive orthoester linkage as the drug carrier

Amphiphilic block copolymers bearing an acid-sensitive orthoester linkage, composed of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydrophobic poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) (PBLG), were prepared as the carrier capable of selectively releasing the hydrophobic drug at the mildly acidic condition. Diblock copolymers with various lengths of PBLG were synthesized via ring opening polymerization of benzyl glutamate NCA in the presence of the acid-labile PEG as a macroinitiator. Owing to their amphiphilicities, the copolymers formed spherical micelles in aqueous conditions, and their particle sizes (22-106 nm in diameter) were dependent on the block length of PBLG. These nanoparticles were stable in the physiological buffer (pH 7.4), whereas they were readily decomposed under the acidic condition. In particular, the block copolymer with a smaller hydrophobic portion was rapidly disassembled under the acidic condition. Doxorubicin (DOX), chosen as the model anti-cancer drug, was effectively encapsulated into the hydrophobic core of the micelles using the solvent casting method. The loading efficiency depended on the hydrophobic block length of the copolymer; i.e., the longer hydrophobic block allowed for loading of larger amounts of the drug. In vitro release studies demonstrated that DOX was slowly released from the pH-sensitive micelles in the physiological buffer (pH 7.4), whereas the release rate of DOX significantly increased under the acidic condition (pH 5.0). From the in vitro cytotoxicity test, it was found that DOX-loaded pH-sensitive micelles showed higher toxicity to SCC7 cancer cells than DOX-loaded micelles without the orthoester linker. These results suggest that the amphiphilic block copolymer bearing the orthoester linkage is useful for pH-triggered delivery of the hydrophobic drug.     

The effect of pH on the hydrolytic degradation of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers

The in‐vitro hydrolytic behavior of diblock copolymer films consisting of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) was studied at pH 7.4 and pH 9.5 at 37°C. The degradation of these films was characterized at various time intervals by mass loss measurements, GPC, ¹H‐NMR, DSC, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. A faster rate of degradation took place at pH 9.5 than at pH 7.4. Analysis of the molecular weight profile during the course of degradation revealed that random chain scission of the ester bonds in PCL predominates at the initial induction phase of polymer degradation. There was also an insignificant mass loss of the films observed. Mass spectroscopy was used to determine the nature of the water soluble products of degradation. At pH 7.4, a variety of oligomers with different numbers of repeating units were present whereas the harsher degradation conditions at pH 9.5 resulted in the formation of dimers. From the results, it can be proposed that a more complete understanding of the degradation behavior of the PCL‐b‐PEG copolymer can be monitored using a combination of physiological and accelerated hydrolytic degradation conditions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Preparation of pH-sensitive CaP nanoparticles coated with a phosphate-based block copolymer for efficient gene delivery

We have synthesized a phosphate-based block copolymer, PEG-b-PMOEP (poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphate)), with a narrow molecular weight distribution (PD = 1.06) by atomic transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), and have constructed calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaPNs) coated with the block copolymer as an efficient and safe intracellular gene delivery carrier. The phosphate-mimic PMOEP block could be incorporated into the calcium phosphate (CaP) core to entrap pDNA, with the PEG block forming a shell to prevent uncontrolled growth of CaP precipitates and aggregates in physiological fluids. The CaPNs showed high colloidal stability at pH 7.4, but released entrapped pDNA at an endosomal pH of 5.0 through a pH-dependent protonation of phosphate moieties for efficient endosomal escape. The PEG-b-PMOEP/CaP/pDNA nanoparticles, which were formed simply by mixing, exhibited great potential as gene delivery carriers for future gene therapy applications due to their high transfection efficiency, low toxicity, and good stability under physiological conditions.     

pH-responsive micelles based on (PCL)2(PDEA-b-PPEGMA)2 miktoarm polymer: controlled synthesis,characterization, and application as anticancer drug carrier

Amphiphilic A₂(BC)₂ miktoarm star polymers [poly(ϵ-caprolactone)]₂-[poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b- poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate)]₂ [(PCL)₂(PDEA-b-PPEGMA)₂] were developed by a combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and continuous activators regenerated by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP). The critical micelle concentration (CMC) values were extremely low (0.0024 to 0.0043 mg/mL), depending on the architecture of the polymers. The self-assembled empty and doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded micelles were spherical in morphologies, and the average sizes were about 63 and 110 nm. The release of DOX at pH 5.0 was much faster than that at pH 6.5 and pH 7.4. Moreover, DOX-loaded micelles could effectively inhibit the growth of cancer cells HepG2 with IC₅₀ of 2.0 μg/mL. Intracellular uptake demonstrated that DOX was delivered into the cells effectively after the cells were incubated with DOX-loaded micelles. Therefore, the pH-sensitive (PCL)₂(PDEA-b-PPEGMA)₂ micelles could be a prospective candidate as anticancer drug carrier for hydrophobic drugs with sustained release behavior.     

Transferrin-targeted magnetic/fluorescence micelles as a specific bi-functional nanoprobe for imaging liver tumor

In order to delineate the location of the tumor both before and during operation, we developed targeted bi-functional polymeric micelles for magnetic resonance (MR) and fluorescence imaging in liver tumors. Hydrophobic superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were loaded into the polymeric micelles through self-assembly of an amphiphilic block copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ϵ-caprolactone). After, transferrin (Tf) and near-infrared fluorescence molecule Cy5.5 were conjugated onto the surface of the polymeric micelles to obtain the nanosized probe SPIO@PEG-b-PCL-Tf/Cy5.5 (SPPTC). Imaging capabilities of this nanoprobe were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The accumulation of SPPTC in HepG2 cells increased over SPIO@PEG-b-PCL-Cy5.5 (SPPC) by confocal microscopy. The targeted nanoprobe SPPTC possessed favorable properties on the MR and fluorescence imaging both in vitro and in vivo. The MTT results showed that the nanoprobes were well tolerated. SPPTC had the potential for pre-operation evaluation and intra-operation navigation of tumors in clinic.     

Synthesis and properties of a new type of unsaturated poly(ester amide)

A new type of unsaturated poly(ester amide), maleic anhydride–phthalic anhydride–ethylene glycol–neopentylene glycol–anthranilic acid copolymer, was prepared by melt polycondensation. The copolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and thermogravimetric analysis. The viscosity of the polymer was measured with a Ubbelohde viscometer. The compressive strength of the crosslinked unsaturated poly(ester amide) under different heat‐treatment conditions was measured. Studies of its degradation behavior were carried out in simulated body fluid at pH 7.4 (37°C), and the compressive strength loss of the crosslinked unsaturated poly(ester amide) was also measured after different degradation times. The copolymer was hydrolyzed in a 1.0‐mol/L NaOH standard solution at room temperature. All of the preliminary results suggest that the new unsaturated poly(ester amide) might potentially be used as a new type of bone‐fixation material. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Synthesis and evaluation of biodegradable segmented multiblock poly(ether ester) copolymers for biomaterial applications

Based on 1,4‐succinic acid, 1,4‐butanediol, poly(ethylene glycol)s and dimethyl terephthalate, biodegradable segmented multiblock copolymers of poly[(butylene terephthalate)‐co‐poly(butylene succinate)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol)] (PTSG) were synthesized with different poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) molar fractions and varying the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) segment length, and were evaluated as biomedical materials. The copolymer extracts showed no in vitro cytotoxicity. However, sterilization of the copolymers by gamma irradiation had some limited effect on the cytotoxicity and mechanical properties. A copolymer consisting of PEG‐1000 and 20 mol% PBS, assigned as 1000PBS20 after SO₂ gas plasma treatment, sustained the adhesion and growth of dog vascular smooth muscle cells. The in vivo biocompatibility of this sample was also measured subcutaneously in rats for 4 weeks. The assessments indicated that these poly(ether ester) copolymers are good candidates for anti‐adhesion barrier and drug controlled‐release applications. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis of syndiotactic polystyrene-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) copolymer by photochemical reaction

Syndiotactic polystyrene-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) (sPS-g-PEG) copolymer was prepared by photochemical attachment of poly(ethylene glycol) chains to the benzoylated syndiotactic polystyrene (BesPS) backbone. BesPS, a functional polymer bearing benzophenone moiety, was prepared in a heterogeneous process through Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction using benzoyl chloride as benzoylating agent. This substrate was then dispersed in o-dichlorobenzene at room temperature and mixed with poly(ethylene glycol) , which was reacted with the benzophenone moieties by illumination with UV light (λ > 340 nm). As a result of the photochemical reaction, the hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) was chemically attached to the hydrophobic syndiotactic polystyrene backbone. The resultant copolymer was characterized by FT-IR, NMR, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In addition, the thermal properties of graft copolymers were also studied by means of DSC.     

pH/temperature sensitive poly(ethylene glycol)-based biodegradable polyester block copolymer hydrogels

Novel pH and temperature sensitive biodegradable block copolymers composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), polyglycolide (GA), ?-caprolactone (CL) and sulfamethazine oligomers (OSMs) were synthesized by ring opening polymerization and 1,3-dicyclohexyl-carbodiimide (DCC) mediated coupling reactions. Their physicochemical properties in aqueous media were characterized by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation spectroscopy. The sol-gel phase transition behavior of OSM-PCGA-PEG-PCGA-OSM block copolymers was investigated both in solution and injection to PBS buffer at pH 7.4 and 37 °C. Aqueous solutions of OSM-PCGA-PEG-PCGA-OSM changed from a sol to a gel phase with increasing temperature and decreasing pH. The sol-gel transition properties of these block copolymers are influenced by the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance of the copolymers, block length, hydrophobicity, stereoregularity of the hydrophobic components within the block copolymer, and the ionization of the pH functional groups in the copolymer, which depends on the environmental pH. Degradation of the triblock and pentablock copolymers at 37 °C (pH 7.4), and at 0 °C and 5 °C both at pH 8.0, was investigated. It was demonstrated here using the in vitro test method, that the anticancer agent paclitaxel (PTX) could be loaded and released by the pH and temperature sensitive OSM-PCGA-PEG-PCGA-OSM block copolymer, such that this could be used as a suitable matrix for subcutaneous injection in drug delivery systems.     

Degradable micelles based on hydrolytically degradable amphiphilic graft copolymers for doxorubicin delivery

Micelles based on a low-toxic and hydrolytically degradable poly(β-amino ester)-g-octadecyl acrylate (PAE-g-ODA) amphiphilic copolymer were developed for doxorubicin (DOX) delivery. A two-step reaction pathway was used to synthesize PAE-g-ODA copolymers with poly(ethylene glycol) segments in the backbone via Michael-type addition reaction. Copolymers with various grafting degrees were obtained by tuning the feeding molar ratios of acrylate/formed secondary amine and the grafting reaction time. Among this series of copolymers, PAE-g-ODA-2 (PAE-g-ODA with 45% ODA side chains) were found to form spherical micelles with an average size of 72.5 nm, as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), whereas the other PAE-g-ODA copolymers fail to form stable micelles with a narrow size distribution in an aqueous solution. The titration curve illustrated that PAE-g-ODA-2 has a high buffer capacity in the pH range of 7.5-5. The hydrolytic degradation of PAE-g-ODA-2 copolymer in PBS buffer (pH 7.4, 37 °C) was monitored by ¹H NMR. It was found that up to 70% ester groups in the backbones were hydrolyzed in 48 h. The DOX-loaded micelles release about 70% trapped DOX within 48 h in physiological condition. Cytotoxicity assay showed a low cytotoxicity of PAE-g-ODA-2 micelles as well as a higher inhibition against HepG2 tumor cells of DOX-loaded micelles than free DOX.     

Synthesis of poly(ethylene glycol)-<Emphasis Type="Italic">b</Emphasis>-poly(mercapto ethylacrylamide) diblock copolymer via atom transfer radical polymerization

Atom transfer radical polymerization was used to synthesize a well-defined poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(mercapto ethylacrylamide) (PEG-b-PMEAAm) diblock copolymer. Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly[N-(acryloxysuccinimide)](PEG-b-PNAS) was synthesized at 80 °C using methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol)-2-bromo propanoate (PEG-Br) and CuBr/2,2′-bipyridine as a macroinitiator and catalyst, respectively. The monomer conversion was determined by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The resulting PEG-b-PNAS diblock copolymer was characterized by gel permeation chromatography, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Disulfide groups were introduced by a simple reaction through the N-acryloxysuccinimide (NAS) moieties of the PEG-b-PNAS diblock copolymer with cystamine dihydrochloride in the presence of triethylamine. FT-IR spectroscopy was used to confirm the introduction of disulfide moieties into the polymer repeating units. Subsequently, a thiol-functionalized block copolymer was prepared using DL-dithiothreitol (DTT) as the reducing agent and the reduction step was monitored by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. This thiol group was transformed easily to a disulfide bond using FeCl₃ as an oxidizing agent. The transformation into disulfide could be visualized easily as insoluble polymeric particles formed from a clear solution of PEG-b-PMEAAm after oxidation.