PhD Research Thesis from The University of Milan utilizes PLGA from PolySciTech as radical chain transfer agent

Sometimes research holds surprising results. Radical chain transfer is a process which allows for controlling the molecular weight and end-cap properties of poly(vinyl) type polymers. Conventionally, radical chain transfer agents comprise of molecules custom designed for that exact purpose, such as thiol compounds in which the sulfur atom actively participates in the free radical interaction. Conventionally, PLGA is not typically applied to free radical chain transfer however researchers at The University of Milan were able to use PLGA from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) (PolyVivo cat# AP059) in this fashion to create PLGA-g-PVP. This research holds promise for the development of novel polymer compounds for a wide array of applications. Read more: Capuano, G. "Amphiphilic, Biodegradable and Biocompatible Polymers for Industrial Applications." (2017). Universita Degli Studi Di Milano Facolta Di Scienze E Tecnologie PhD School in Industrial Chemistry XXIX Cycle PhD Student Capuano Giovanna Thesis. https://air.unimi.it/bitstream/2434/477898/2/phd_unimi_R10587.pdf

 “The aim of this PhD work was to establish the synthetic procedures for new families of biocompatible and biodegradable and/or bioeliminable biomaterials that can be differently processed to obtain nanoparticles, core-shell nanof ibres and hydrogel slabs or conduits, respectively. Depending on composition, size and morphology, these biomaterials may be intended for applications as drug delivery systems and/or tissue regeneration. Specifically, the research project has been developed along two main lines: Synthesis of poly(lactic-glycolic acid)-g-poly(1-vinylpyrrolidin-2-one) (PLGA-g-PVP) copolymers whose architecture consisted of a long PLGA backbone with oligomeric PVP pendants. These were obtained by the radical polymerisation of 1-vinylpyrrolidin-2-one in molten PLGA 50:50, acting as chain transfer agent. Synthesis of a new classes of poly(saccharide)-poly(aminoamine)s 3D-network intended as scaffolds for the regeneration of liver. (Synthesis of PLGA-g-PVP): PLGA (2.012 g, PolyVivo AP059) and VP (0.203 g, 1.83 mol) were added to dichloromethane (30 mL) in a two-necked 100 mL flask equipped with a stir bar. The resultant solution was purged 5 min with nitrogen and AIBN (2.1 mg, 0.013 mmol) was added. Dichloromethane was then eliminated at room temperature and 0.2 tor. After three nitrogen-vacuum cycles, the reaction mixture was heated to 100 °C, maintained at this temperature under nitrogen for 2.5 h, cooled to room temperature and dissolved in dichloromethane (100 mL). The solution was poured drop-wise in diethyl ether (1 L) under vigorous stirring and the resultant slurry stirred for further 2 h. The precipitated product was finally retrieved by filtration, washed with fresh ether (200 mL) and dried under vacuum.”