Synthesis of biodegradable poly-epsilon-caprolactone microspheres by dispersion ring-opening polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide

Biomacromolecules. 2008 Nov;9(11):3141-9. doi: 10.1021/bm800730m. Epub 2008 Oct 21.

Abstract

A series of fluorinated diblock and triblock copolymers of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and poly(heptadecafluorodecylacrylate) were prepared by combining ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-CL and atom transfer radical polymerization of the acrylate. These copolymers with well-controlled molecular weight and composition were characterized by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and used as stabilizers for the dispersion ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-CL in supercritical carbon dioxide. The effect of composition and architecture of the polymeric stabilizers on the stabilization of PCL microspheres was investigated. Finally, purification of PCL was successfully implemented by reactive supercritical fluid extraction of the tin catalyst.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Excipients
  • Microspheres*
  • Polyesters / chemical synthesis*

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Excipients
  • Polyesters
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • polycaprolactone
  • carbopol 940