Synthesis and properties of novel block copolymers containing poly(lactic-glycolic acid) and poly(ethyleneglycol) segments

• Published in: Biomaterials Vol. 16; no. 18; pp. 1423 - 1428
• Main Authors: Ferruti, Paolo, Penco, Maurizio, D'Addato, Paola, Ranucci, Elisabetta, Deghenghi, Romano
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.12.1995; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Biocompatible Materials - standards; Biodegradation; Biodegradation, Environmental; Biological and medical sciences; block copolymers; Hydroxylation; Lactic Acid; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; Medical sciences; Molecular Weight; Phosgene - chemistry; poly(ethylene glycol); poly(lactic-glycolic acid); Polyethylene Glycols - chemistry; Polyglycolic Acid; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; Polymers - chemical synthesis; Polymers - chemistry; Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects); Technology. Biomaterials. Equipments. Material. Instrumentation; Biodegradation; block copolymers; poly(lactic-glycolic acid); poly(ethylene glycol); Ethylene copolymer; Biomaterial; Chemical synthesis; Block copolymer; Biomedical engineering
• ISSN: 0142-9612; 1878-5905
• DOI: 10.1016/0142-9612(95)96879-5

A synthetic process for obtaining high-molecular-weight block copolymers containing poly(lacticglycolic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) segments has been established. This process involves the reaction of poly(ethylene glycols) with phosgene, followed by polycondensation of the resulting α,ω-bis (chloroformates) with poly(lactic-glycolic acid) oligomers. The copolymers have been characterized for their molecular weight, solubility properties, water absorption and preliminarily thermal behaviour. All evidence points to the conclusion that the process described is a general one, enabling biodegradable polymers to be obtained tailor-made according to specific requirements.