Fluorescent Peg-Pla Copolymers Synthesized From Ugi Four Component Condensation

This work describes the synthesis of fluorescent poly(acid lactic) (PLA)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) block copolymers by using the Ugi multicomponent reaction (MCR). Specific aldehyde end-functionalized PLA (PLA-COH) and carboxylic acid end functionalized PEG (PEG-COOH) with different molecular weights were synthesized to be used in the MCR with fluorescein containing amino groups. Different fluorescent diblock copolymers of PEG-PLA conjugated with fluorescein were synthesized, giving yields up to 75%. Identification of PLA, PEG and fluorescein present in the copolymer's structure was confirmed by spectroscopic methods (H-1-NMR, FTIR and UV spectroscopy) and molecular weight determined by GPC. Thus, this work proposes an application of Ugi MCR in the preparation of an interesting biomasked PLA-based fluorescent copolymer for application as drug delivery systems.