Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity of novel modified poly[(maleic anhydride)‐ co ‐(vinyl acetate)]/noradrenaline conjugate

Poly[(maleic anhydride)‐ co ‐(vinyl acetate)] (MAVA) copolymer was synthesized by free radical polymerization reaction, in methyl ethyl ketone at 80 °C, using benzoyl peroxide as the initiator. The copolymer was then modified with a biomolecule, noradrenaline (NA). The modification reaction was performed at 70 °C in dimethylformamide containing triethylamine as the catalyst. The modified polymer was named MAVA/NA. Structural characterization of the copolymer and the modified product was carried out by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR spectroscopy. The FTIR, 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR spectra confirmed that NA was successfully covalently bound to the MAVA copolymer backbone. Surface morphology was visualized by atomic force microscopy. The cumulative release of NA from MAVA/NA was determined in phosphate buffered saline solution for 7 days at 37 °C and compared with MAVA. Cytotoxicity of the MAVA/NA was evaluated by using a mouse fibroblast cell line (L929). Results obtained indicated that MAVA/NA had almost no toxicity and no negative effect on cell viability at 250 µg mL −1 concentration. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry