Poly(L‑lactide) (PLLA, MW 20‑40K) is semi‑crystalline biodegradable aliphatic polyester synthesized by ring‑opening polymerization of pure L‑lactide monomer. Regular L‑configurated molecular‑chain arrangement enables crystalline domain formation, which differs distinctly from fully amorphous PDLLA. This medium‑molecular‑weight PLLA possesses moderate mechanical strength, and its degradation behavior shows obvious two‑stage feature: water first erodes amorphous regions, then crystalline segments degrade slowly, leading to overall longer degradation cycle compared with PDLLA of equivalent molecular weight. Degradation yields endogenous L‑lactic acid which can be metabolized and eliminated in vivo with good biocompatibility. It is widely adopted for preparing microspheres, nanoparticles, absorbable fibrous scaffolds and prepolymer for terminal functional modification in biomedical research.
Key Features
- MW: 20000‑40000 Da, semi‑crystalline poly(L‑lactide); Tg ≈55‑62 °C, Tm ≈165‑175 °C
- Semi‑crystalline microstructure; amorphous regions degrade preferentially, crystalline portions retard overall hydrolysis rate; degradation slower than PDLLA at identical molecular weight
- Moderate mechanical performance; suitable for electrospinning, solvent casting, microsphere and nanoparticle fabrication
- Good biocompatibility; degradation metabolite is endogenous L‑lactic acid
- Soluble in DCM, CHCl₃, THF, DMF; poorly soluble in hot toluene; insoluble in water, short‑chain alcohols and aliphatic alkanes
- Hygroscopic polymer; ester bonds are susceptible to moisture‑catalyzed hydrolysis; strict moisture‑proof storage and operation are required
Applications
- Matrix material for PLLA microspheres and nanoparticles for sustained‑release delivery of small‑molecule drugs, peptides and bioactive agents
- Raw material for biodegradable fiber membranes and porous scaffolds for tissue‑engineering research
- Prepolymer intermediate for further end‑group functionalization to synthesize diverse terminal‑modified PLLA derivatives
- Research‑grade raw material for absorbable polymer and regenerative biomaterial‑related study
Handling & Storage
- Store at −20 °C under dry sealed condition; strictly moisture‑proof; avoid severe temperature‑humidity fluctuation
- Fully equilibrate container to ambient temperature before opening package to prevent condensed‑water contamination
- Hermetically seal immediately after partial sampling; repeated freeze‑thaw cycles are forbidden
- 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.