Recognition abilities and development of heat-induced entangled networks in lactone-derived glycopolymers obtained from ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers.

Novel glycopolymers have been synthesized from ethylene-vinyl alcohol, EVOH, copolymers activated with 4-nitrophenyl carbonate groups and subsequent coupling reaction with distinct diaminobutylsaccharides. The structure of the resulting glycopolymers has been confirmed by FTIR and (1)H and (13)C NMR. In addition, their thermal transitions and degradability have been examined, as well as their rheological behavior in bulk and in water solution. Those glycopolymers that are water-soluble undergo self-association processes and lead to the formation of temperature-induced reversible networks. Furthermore, their affinity to lectins, in particular to Concanavalin A and Ricinus communis Agglutinin, has also been evaluated, showing large and specific interaction.