Poly(DL‑lactide) (PDLLA, MW 20‑50K) is an amorphous biodegradable aliphatic polyester synthesized by ring‑opening polymerization of racemic D,L‑lactide. Random arrangement of D‑lactide and L‑lactide repeating units eliminates crystalline domains, which is fundamentally different from semi‑crystalline PLLA homopolymer. This medium‑to‑high molecular‑weight PDLLA grade delivers enhanced mechanical properties and relatively slow homogeneous hydrolytic degradation. Thanks to its fully amorphous matrix, water molecules infiltrate evenly throughout the polymer, supporting predictable, smooth drug release over several months. Degradation produces endogenous lactic acid that can be metabolized and eliminated in vivo, exhibiting good biosafety. It is widely applied in long‑term sustained‑release depot preparation, thick implant‑type biomaterials and tissue‑engineering matrix research.
Key Features
- MW: 20000‑50000 Da, fully amorphous poly(DL‑lactide), no melting point; glass transition temperature Tg ≈51‑61 °C
- Amorphous microstructure enables uniform water penetration and non‑heterogeneous hydrolytic degradation, distinct from semi‑crystalline PLLA
- Improved mechanical strength and favorable processability; compatible with microsphere fabrication, solvent casting, film forming, electrospinning and hot processing
- Excellent biocompatibility; degradation metabolite is endogenous lactic acid
- Soluble in DCM, CHCl₃, THF, DMF; insoluble in water, alcohols and aliphatic alkanes
- Hygroscopic material; ester bonds are vulnerable to moisture‑induced hydrolysis; strictly avoid humid surroundings
Applications
- Matrix material for PDLLA microspheres, nanoparticles and implant depots for long‑term sustained release of small‑molecule drugs, peptides and bioactive macromolecules
- Raw material for fabricating dense biodegradable films and thick porous tissue‑engineering scaffolds for medium‑long cycle tissue repair research
- Prepolymer intermediate for subsequent end‑group modification to produce diverse functional‑terminated PDLLA derivatives
- Research‑grade raw material for absorbable medical device prototypes and cosmetic biomaterial studies
Handling & Storage
- Store at −20 °C under dry sealed condition; strictly moisture‑proof; prevent sharp temperature‑humidity fluctuations
- Equilibrate the whole container to room temperature thoroughly before opening to avoid condensed‑water contamination
- Keep hermetically sealed after partial sampling; repeated freeze‑thaw cycles must be avoided
- 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.