Development of an Albumin–Polymer Bioconjugate via Covalent Conjugation and Supramolecular Interactions

Preexisting serum albumin–polymer bioconjugates have been formed either through covalent conjugation or supramolecular interactions. However, the viability of producing a bioconjugate where both covalent conjugation and supramolecular interactions have been adopted is yet to be explored. In this work, the noncovalent interaction of two polymers bearing fatty acid-based end-functionalities were compared and the superior binder was carried forward for testing with serum albumin that possessed a polymer conjugated to its Cys34 residue. The studies demonstrated that an albumin–polymer bioconjugate equipped with polymers via both covalent and supramolecular interactions can be successfully achieved.