Methods for the covalent modification in aqueous solution of poly-gamma-D-glutamic acid from Bacillus licheniformis have been studied. Co-derivatization of a synthetic UV-absorbent amine and ethanolamine, using a water-soluble carbodi-imide coupling agent, yielded a water-soluble modified polymer. Derivatization of the polymer was accompanied by cleavage of the gamma-linked polypeptide backbone, and a reduction in molecular mass from 170 to 10 kDa. A procedure was developed for the removal of noncovalently bound ligands by treatment with 5 M CaCl2. The polymer sidechains also reacted in aqueous solution with p-nitrophenyl acetate to form covalent linkages.