Poly(lactic acid) for Biomedical Application–Synthesis of Biocompatible Mg Catalyst and Optimization of Its Use in Polymerization of Lactide with the Aid of Design of Experiments

Abstract

An efficient original synthesis of magnesium 2-ethylhexanoate (MgOct2) via reaction of metallic magnesium with 2-ethylhexanoic acid was achieved. The activity of MgOct2 as a biocompatible catalyst for lactide ring-opening polymerization was examined. The process was successfully optimized by using factorial and rotatable designs. Poly(lactic acid) with Mw = 34 000 g/mol with high lactide conversion (>95%) has been obtained. Because the method employs a biocompatible catalyst (lack of tin), it can be used in medical and pharmaceutical applications.