Derivatized polyvinyl alcohols and methods for forming derivatized polyvinyl alcohols are described. Methods include incubating a polyvinyl alcohol with a derivatizing agent that includes an isothiocyanate group, upon which the isothiocyanate can spontaneously react with alcohol groups of the polyvinyl alcohol. Functionalization can include addition of detectable labels and/or active groups the polyvinyl alcohol. Derivatized materials can be used in forming products, e.g., particles, films, fibers, that include the added functionality at a surface.
