Macromolecular Design of Aliphatic Polyesters with Maintained Mechanical Properties and a Rapid, Customized Degradation Profile

作者：Malberg Sofia; Hoglund Anders; Albertsson Ann Christine^*

来源：Biomacromolecules, 2011, 12(6): 2382-2388.

DOI：10.1021/bm2004675

An innovative type of triblock copolymer that maintains and even increases the mechanical properties of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) with a controlled, predictable, and rapid degradation profile has been synthesized. Elastic triblock copolymers were formed from the hydrophobic and crystalline PLLA and PCL with an amorphous and hydrophilic middle block of poly(but-2-ene-1,4-diyl malonate) (PBM). The polymers were subjected to degradation in PBS at 37 degrees C for up to 91 days. Prior to degradation, ductility of the PLLA-PBM-PLLA was approximately 4 times greater than that of the homopolymer of PLLA, whereas the modulus and tensile stress at break were unchanged. A rapid initial hydrolysis in the amorphous PBM middle block changed the microstructure from triblock to diblock with a significant reduction in ductility and molecular weight. The macromolecular structure of the triblock copolymer of PLLA and PBM generates a more flexible and easier material to handle during implant, with the advantage of a customized degradation profile, demonstrating its potential use in future biomedical applications.

• 出版日期2011-6