Synthesis of polymer precursor for the core-crosslinked polymeric micelles: (1) 2-(benzyloxycarbonyl amino)ethyl 2-bromo-isobutyrate; (2) P(OEGMA)31-b-P(HEMA)26; (3) P(OEGMA)31-b-P(HEMA-CL5)26; and (4) P(OEGMA)31-b-P(HEMA-CL5-Si)26. Reaction conditions: (i) cuprous bromide, bipyridine, 50 °C in methanol; (ii) tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, 120 °C in toluene; (iii) 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane, dibutyltin dilaurate, 40 °C in toluene. CPA: cyclopamine.