Enhancing the degradation properties of poly (trimethylene carbonate) by simple and effective copolymerization of trimethylene carbonate with p-dioxanone

Abstract

Biodegradable polymeric materials play an important role in the field of clinical science. However, the advancement of non-toxic polymeric materials with excellent performance and controlled degradation properties remains a challenge. Herein, a series of biodegradable and bioresorbable poly (trimethylene carbonate-co-p-dioxanone) [P(TMC-co-PDO), PTD] copolymers were prepared as polymer materials through random copolymerization of trimethylene carbonate (TMC) and p-dioxanone (PDO). In vitro enzymatic degradation mediated by aspergillus oryzae lipase showed that PTD polymer materials exhibit a controllable degradation rate and well form-stability by regulating the PDO content in the composition. The relationship between the chemical structure and the final performance of the PTD copolymers at the molecular level was studied in detail. The results indicate that the introduction of PDO significantly enhances the form-stability of low molecular weight PTMC and significantly accelerates its degradation rate. This initiative provides a feasible strategy for the modification and extensive application of low molecular weight PTMC. It is envisioned that this PTD is a promising candidate for clinical polymer implantable drug delivery systems.