Modified Polyanionic Polymers. I: Grafting of Hydrophobic Group onto Poly(maleic acid-alt-3,4- dihydroxyphenylprop-1-ene) to Improve the Affinity for Cell Membranes

To improve the affinity of polyanionic polymers for cell mem branes, several hydrophobic groups were grafted onto poly(maleic acid-alt- 3,4-dihydroxyphenylprop-1-ene) [poly(MA- alt-DP)] which has cytotoxic activity. The effect of the degree of substitution of the grafted group to the maleic anhy dride residue was also evaluated. Grafted polymers were characterized by their partition coefficients, their affinity to liposomes and their ability to interact with rat small intestinal epithelial cells. It was found that the cell affinity of the modified polyanionic polymers could be augmented and controlled by simple grafting.