SYNTHESES OF POLY[N-(2,2 DIMETHOXYETHYL)-N-METHYL ACRYLAMIDE] FOR THEIMMOBILIZATION OF OLIGONUCLEOTIDES

Radical-initiated polymerization of N-(2,2 dimethoxyethyl)-N-methylacr ylamide has been carried out either in chloroform or methanol using 2, 2'-azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator, allowing us to prepare acet al containing water-soluble polymers. A kinetic study in both solvents showed that this monomer fairly homopolymerized (k(p) . k(t)(-1/2) = 1 mol(-1/2) L(1/2) s(-1/2)). Static light scattering was used to chara cterize the molecular weight of these polymers. In addition, the Mark- Houwink-Sakurada relationship was established based on viscosity measu rements performed at 25 degrees C in water. Recovery of the aldehyde m oieties on the polymer was achieved under mild conditions using a dilu ted inorganic solution. The analysis of the formation of aldehyde grou ps was performed by H-1- and C-13-NMR. The covalent binding of oligode oxyribonucleotides was carried out in water/acetonitrile mixtures with subsequent NaBH4 reduction of the imine bonds so as to stabilize the polymer/oligodeoxynucleotide conjugates. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, I nc.