Microwave-enhanced reductive amination via Schiff's base formation for block copolymer synthesis

► We enhanced the rate of reaction for reductive amination using microwave. ► Reductive amination between dextran and N-Boc-ethylenediamine. ► Time reduced from 72 h in ambient conditions to 4 h in microwave. ► Modified dextran was conjugated to poly(d,l-lactide). ► Amphiphilic block copolymer was used to formulate nanoparticles.