Preparation and properties of a mitomycin C-albumin conjugate

Mitomycin C, an anti-neoplastic agent, was covalently attached to bovine serum albumin through various kinds of spacers such as glutaryl, succinyl, trans-aconityl, methylsuccinyl and the trimellityl group. The prior acylation of albumin not only prevented protein polymerization in the presence of carbodiimide, but also increased the extent of conjugation of the drug. The conjugate of mitomycin C-glutarylated albumin showed the best properties among the conjugates prepared in meeting the requirements for a high yield of nonpolymerized product with an adequately high mitomycin C content and stability as a macromolecular prodrug.