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Updated: May 28, 2026

Microwave-assisted Functionalization of Poly(ethylene glycol) and On-resin Peptides for Use in Chain Polymerizations and Hydrogel Formation
Published on: October 29, 2013
Hydrolytic degradation behavior of poly(rac-lactide)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(rac-lactide)
Christian Wischke1, Giuseppe Tripodo, Nok-Young Choi
1Center for Biomaterial Development and Berlin-Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies, Institute of Polymer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Kantstrasse 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany.
Abstract:
For polymer-based degradable implants, mechanical performance and degradation behavior need to be precisely controlled. Based on a rational design, this work comprehensively describes the properties of photo-crosslinked polymer networks prepared from poly(rac-lactide)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(rac-lactide) dimethacrylate precursors during degradation. By varying the length of poly(rac-lactide) blocks connected to a central 4 kDa polyether block, microphase separated networks with adjustable crosslinking density, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity ratio, thermal, and mechanical properties are obtained. The materials are characterized by a low water uptake, controlled mass loss, and slowly decreasing wet-state E moduli in the kPa range.

