A general methodology toward drug/dye incorporated living copolymer-protein hybrids: (NIRF dye-glucose) copolymer-avidin/BSA conjugates as prototypes.

Azide-terminated poly(tert-butyl acrylate) was synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Subsequent deprotection was performed to yield poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) possessing a reactive chain-end. A one-pot sequential amidation of the PAA with the amine derivatives of a near-infrared fluorescent dye (ADS832WS) and glucose produced NIRF dye-incorporated water-soluble copolymers.