Novel poly(ε-caprolactone)s bearing amino groups: Synthesis, characterization and biotinylation

A novel functional ε-caprolactone monomer containing protected amino groups, γ-(carbamic acid benzyl ester)-ε-caprolactone (γCABεCL), was successfully synthesized. A series of copolymers [poly(CL-co-CABCL)] were prepared by ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (CL) and γCABεCL in bulk using tin (II)-2-ethylhexanoate [Sn(Oct)2] as catalyst. The morphology of the copolymers changed from semi-crystalline to amorphous with increasing γCABεCL monomer content. They were further converted into deprotected copolymers [poly(CL-co-ACL)] with free amino groups by hydrogenolysis in the presence of Pd/C. After deprotection, the free amino groups on the copolymer were further modified with biotin. The monomer and the corresponding copolymers were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR, mass, GPC and DSC analysis. The obtained data have confirmed the desired monomer and copolymer structures.