Multifunctional Polymer-Protein Conjugates Generated by Multicomponent Reactions†

Recently, multifunctional polymers for protein conjugation have been facilely synthesized through the multicomponent reactions (MCRs). In this mini-review, current progress in the generation of multifunctional polymers with protein-reactive groups via MCRs is summarized. These multifunctional polymers react with model therapeutic proteins, forming multifunctional polymer-protein conjugates, which are prototypes of sophisticated theranostic agents and antibacterial vaccine candidates. In comparison with the traditional multi-step synthesis, the preparation of multifunctional polymers for protein conjugation through MCRs is straightforward and convenient. Due to these properties, MCRs have the potential to become a new general strategy to achieve polymer-protein conjugates for biological and medical applications.