Heterostereocomplexation between biodegradable and optically active polyesters as a versatile preparation method for biodegradable materials

Biomacromolecules. 2010 Jan 11;11(1):252-8. doi: 10.1021/bm901113v.

Abstract

The thermal properties and crystallization of biodegradable and optically active poly[(S)-2-hydroxybutyrate] [P(S-2HB)], poly(l-lactide) (PLLA), poly(d-lactide) (PDLA) and their blends were investigated. The results of differential scanning calorimetry, wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), and polarized optical microscopy first indicated heterostereocomplexation between biodegradable and optically active polyesters having different chemical structures and opposite configurations, that is, P(S-2HB) and PDLA. The melting temperature of the heterostereocomplex was higher than those of pure polymers. Such cocrystallization was not observed for P(S-2HB)/PLLA blends having identical configurations. The WAXS profile of P(S-2HB)/PDLA heterostereocomplex was very similar to those of the PLLA/PDLA and P(S-2HB)/P(R-2HB) homostereocomplexes and each crystalline diffraction peak of the heterostereocomplex was located between those of the homostereocomplexes. The present study strongly suggests that heterostereocomplexation will provide a novel versatile method for preparing biodegradable polyester materials with a wide range of physical properties and biodegradability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Biodegradation, Environmental
  • Calorimetry, Differential Scanning
  • Crystallization
  • Microscopy, Polarization
  • Polyesters / chemical synthesis
  • Polyesters / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism
  • X-Ray Diffraction

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • poly(lactide)