PEG-PLA Polylactic acid

The exploration of PEGylated materials in bioscience and pharmaceutical fields is growing rapidly. Biodegradable polymers based on polylactic acid (PLA) and PEG copolymers provide scientists with new tools for controlled-release formulations and delivery platforms. BOC Sciences offers PEG-PLA copolymers with different PEG and PLA (PLLA, PDLA, PDLLA) molecular weights for drug discovery studies. We also offer PEG-PLA copolymers modified with acids, esters, and maleimides.

Fig. 1. Synthesis of PLA-PEG copolymers (International journal of nanomedicine. 2018: 6961-6986).

What is PEG-PLA?

PEG-PLA is a family of amphiphilic block copolymers consisting of two chemically distinct homopolymer blocks hydrophilic PEG and hydrophobic PLA. Of these, lactic acid is a chiral molecule with (L) and (D) forms, while (L) is a common metabolite. The family of lactic acid polymers includes pure poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), pure poly-D-lactic acid (PDLA), and poly-D,L lactic acid (PDLLA). Many useful compositions occur when the polymers are organized into diblock or triblock with PEG or polycaprolactone.

Examples of PEG-PLA

PLA-PEG-COOH

PLA-PEG-COOH is an amphiphilic AB diblock copolymer consisting of a hydrophilic block of PEG and a hydrophobic block of PLA. The carboxyl group at the end of the PEG block is used to prepare nanoparticles and micelles for targeted drug delivery. PLA-PEG-COOH can be used to prepare core and shell nanoparticles from amine-reactive maleimides, and can also be coupled to peptides or proteins containing free amines.

PLA-PEG-PLA

PLA-PEG-PLA is a triblock copolymer consisting of PLA and PEG chain segments. It is also known as a thermoplastic elastomer or biodegradable block copolymer. The properties of PLA-PEG-PLA can be customized by adjusting the molecular weights and ratios of the PLA and PEG chain segments.

PDLLA-PEG-CO-NHS

The structure of PDLLA-PEG-CO-NHS consists of PDLLA fragments, PEG fragments and NHS functional groups. PDLLA provides mechanical strength and biodegradability, while PEG provides flexibility, hydrophilicity and improved bioavailability. The NHS group is a reactive functional group capable of covalently attaching biomolecules such as drugs, proteins or targeting ligands to the copolymer.

Factors Affecting of PEG-PLA

• Composition. Increasing the PEG content typically enhances the hydrophilicity, flexibility and biodegradation rate of the copolymer, while increasing the PLA content improves its mechanical strength and thermal stability.
• Molecular Weight. Higher molecular weights of PEG and PLA fragments typically result in increased viscosity, improved mechanical strength and slower degradation rates.
• Processing Temperature. Processing temperature during copolymer synthesis or manufacture affects the molecular weight, crystallinity and thermal properties of PEG-PLA copolymers. Higher temperatures result in increased intermolecular interactions leading to higher crystallinity and improved mechanical properties.
• Preparation Methods. The processing methods used to make PEG-PLA copolymers, such as melt blending, solution casting, or 3D printing, can also affect the structure and properties of the copolymers. And each method may introduce different degrees of molecular orientation, crystallinity and porosity, leading to changes in mechanical strength, degradation behavior and drug delivery properties.

Surface Modification of PEG-PLA

PEG-PLA copolymers can be easily modified by introducing functional groups or bioactive molecules on their surface. This enables the attachment of targeted ligands, antibodies or other biomolecules for targeted drug delivery or specific interactions with cells or tissues. BOC Sciences is at the forefront of PEG-PLA copolymer development, offering high quality products and unparalleled expertise to meet the changing needs of researchers and industry worldwide. We provides high-purity, high-quality, and batch uniformity to ensure efficient development of our customers' projects.

Reference

1. Yildiz, T. et al. Doxorubicin-loaded protease-activated near-infrared fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles for imaging and therapy of cancer. International journal of nanomedicine. 2018: 6961-6986.