Reversible Supramolecular Polylactides Gels Obtained via Stereocomplexation. Issue 9 (26th February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Michalski, Adam; Socka, Marta; Brzeziński, Marek; Biela, Tadeusz
• Is Part Of: Macromolecular chemistry and physics. Volume 219:Issue 9(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-02-26
• Subjects: gelation -- star‐shaped polylactide -- stereocomplexation -- stimuli responsiveness; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Synthetic products -- Periodicals; Macromolecules -- Periodicals; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1002/macp.201700607
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1022-1352

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, stereocomplexation is used as a driving force for the formation of 3D polymer networks by hydrogen bonding cross‐linking between complementary enantiomeric polylactides (PLAs). Thus, the formation of the gels after the mixing of equimolar solutions ofl ‐ andd ‐star‐shaped PLAs in the biocompatible N ‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) is observed. The utility of star‐shaped polymers facilitates the cross‐linking of macromolecules by increasing the number of functional end groups. Moreover, the well‐established reaction with succinic anhydride is used to functionalize the star‐shaped PLAs with carboxylic functions. These end groups have a significant impact on the viscosity and stability of the resulting PLA gels. Importantly, the formation of the supramolecular gel is reversible, and it can return to sol upon heating. These results demonstrate that the gel formation is a result of a synergic interaction of the PLA functional end groups and stereocomplexation. These novel stereocomplex gels have potential for biomedical applications due to the biocompatibility of both components: PLA and NMP. Abstract : Stereocomplexation is used as a driving force for the formation of 3D polymer networks by hydrogen bonding between complementary enantiomeric polylactides in the biocompatible N ‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone. To increase the number of functional end groups that facilitate the cross‐linking of the macromolecules, star‐shaped carboxylic‐terminated polymers are applied. These end groups have a significant impact on the viscosity and stability of the resulting polylactides gels. Importantly, the formation of the supramolecular gel is reversible, and it can return to sol upon heating.