Efficient Self-Immolative RAFT End Group Modification for Macromolecular Immunodrug Delivery

[Image: see text] The reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization provides access to a broad variety of biocompatible and functional macromolecules for diverse polymer–drug conjugates. Due to thiocarbonylthio groups at the ends of each growing polymer chain, they can straightforwardly be converted into disufilde-containing self-immolative motives for reversible drug conjugation by traceless linkers. This may be relevant for RAFT-polymerized poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (pDMA), which has been demonstrated to provide similar properties as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in terms of improving the drug’s poor pharmacokinetic profile or enhancing its bioavailability. For that purpose, we established a highly efficient one-pot reaction procedure for introducing various functionalities including both primary and secondary amines and primary alcohols and demonstrated their reversible conjugation and traceless release from pDMA’s polymer chain end. Next, a first polymer–drug conjugate with a Toll-like receptor agonist exhibited significantly increased activity in vitro compared to conventional irreversibly covalently fixed variants. Finally, α-ω-bifunctional dye or drug conjugates could be generated by a cholesterol-modified RAFT chain-transfer agent. It facilitated the polymer–drug conjugate’s internalization at the cellular level monitored by flow cytometry and confocal imaging. This approach provides the basis for a variety of potentially impactful polymer–drug conjugates by combining versatile small molecular drugs with a plethora of available RAFT polymers through reductive-responsive self-immolative linkers.