Poly(L‑lactide) (PLLA, MW 250‑400K) is ultra‑high‑molecular‑weight semi‑crystalline biodegradable aliphatic polyester prepared by ring‑opening polymerization of high‑purity L‑lactide. Highly regular isotactic L‑lactide chain conformation forms dense crystalline domains, fundamentally different from fully‑amorphous PDLLA. This top‑tier ultra‑high‑MW PLLA delivers supreme tensile strength, ultra‑high elastic modulus and extremely high melt viscosity, placing high requirements on thermal‑processing conditions. It follows typical two‑stage hydrolytic degradation: amorphous regions are preferentially hydrolyzed, while compact crystalline frameworks greatly suppress bulk chain scission, resulting in multi‑year in‑vivo degradation cycles, markedly slower than PDLLA of equivalent molecular weight. Degradation generates endogenous L‑lactic acid that can be metabolized and eliminated by organism with outstanding biocompatibility. It is mainly utilized for heavy‑duty load‑bearing orthopedic implant prototypes, ultra‑rigid thick‑wall structural scaffolds, high‑viscosity spinning precursors and multi‑year implant‑type drug‑delivery systems in cutting‑edge biomedical research.
Key Features
- MW: 250000‑400000 Da, semi‑crystalline poly(L‑lactide); Tg ≈60‑68 °C, Tm ≈173‑183 °C
- Semi‑crystalline microstructure; amorphous domains degrade preferentially, compact crystalline fractions retard overall hydrolysis; degradation rate far lower than equal‑molecular‑weight PDLLA
- Supreme mechanical strength and modulus; extremely high melt viscosity, demanding precise‑temperature thermal processing; compatible with hot‑press molding, extrusion, high‑viscosity electrospinning and fabrication of heavy‑load implant devices
- Excellent biocompatibility; degradation metabolite is endogenous L‑lactic acid
- Soluble in DCM, CHCl₃, THF, DMF; sparingly soluble in hot toluene; insoluble in water, short‑chain alcohols and aliphatic alkanes
- Extremely hygroscopic; ester bonds are highly susceptible to moisture‑catalyzed hydrolysis; strict full‑process moisture‑proof handling and storage are mandatory
Applications
- Matrix material for ultra‑high‑strength long‑acting PLLA implant depots for multi‑year sustained release of small‑molecule drugs, peptides and biological macromolecules
- Raw polymer for heavy‑duty load‑bearing rigid porous scaffolds and ultra‑thick high‑performance electrospun membranes for severe bone‑defect repair and multi‑year tissue‑engineering research
- Prepolymer feedstock for synthesis of ultra‑high‑molecular‑weight end‑functionalized PLLA derivatives
- Research‑grade raw material for developing premium heavy‑duty absorbable orthopedic‑relevant implant biomaterials
Handling & Storage
- Store at −20 °C under dry sealed condition; strictly moisture‑proof; avoid drastic temperature‑humidity fluctuations
- Fully equilibrate container to room temperature before opening package to prevent condensation‑water contamination
- Hermetically seal immediately after partial sampling; repeated freeze‑thaw cycles are strictly prohibited
- For research‑only use; not intended for direct clinical or diagnostic applications
AxisPharm offers 5000+ PEG Linkers with high purity. Different kinds of PEG Reagents may be available by custom synthesis.