Poly(DL‑lactide) (PDLLA, MW 10‑20K) is amorphous biodegradable aliphatic polyester obtained via ring‑opening polymerization of racemic D,L‑lactide. Random distribution of D‑lactide and L‑lactide repeating units eliminates crystallinity, which is significantly different from semi‑crystalline PLLA homopolymer. This medium‑molecular‑weight PDLLA grade features moderate mechanical strength and faster hydrolytic degradation compared with higher‑MW PDLLA grades. Owing to fully amorphous structure, water molecules infiltrate the polymer matrix uniformly, bringing about steady and predictable degradation and drug release profiles within several weeks. It degrades into endogenous lactic acid in vivo with favorable biocompatibility. This polymer is widely utilized for short‑term sustained‑release carriers, nanoparticle formulation and biomedical material research.
Key Features
- MW: 10000‑20000 Da, fully amorphous poly(DL‑lactide), no melting point; glass transition temperature Tg ≈48‑58 °C
- Amorphous microstructure enables homogeneous water permeation and uniform hydrolytic degradation, avoiding heterogeneous degradation caused by crystalline domains
- Moderate mechanical property and good processing performance; suitable for microsphere, nanoparticle, solvent‑cast film and electrospun fiber preparation
- Good biocompatibility; degradation metabolite is endogenous lactic acid that can be metabolized by organism
- Soluble in DCM, CHCl₃, THF, DMF; insoluble in water, short‑chain alcohols and aliphatic alkanes
- Hygroscopic polymer; ester bonds are susceptible to moisture‑induced hydrolysis; strictly prevent moisture intrusion
Applications
- Matrix material for preparing PDLLA microspheres, nanoparticles for short‑term sustained release of small‑molecule drugs, peptides and bioactive substances
- Raw material for biodegradable thin films and porous scaffolds for short‑cycle tissue‑engineering research
- Prepolymer precursor for terminal functionalization to synthesize various end‑modified PDLLA derivatives
- Research‑grade raw material for absorbable biomaterial and cosmetic polymer‑based study
Handling & Storage
- Store at −20 °C under dry sealed condition; strictly moisture‑proof, avoid drastic temperature and humidity variation
- Fully equilibrate container to room temperature before opening package to avoid condensed water contamination
- Hermetically seal after partial sampling; repeated freeze‑thaw cycles are prohibited
- For research‑only use; not intended for direct clinical or diagnostic applications
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