Low-Temperature Processable Block Copolymers That Preserve the Function of Blended Proteins

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Low-temperature processable polymers are eco-friendly due to reduced energy consumption.
• They are suitable for creating composites with heat-sensitive biomolecules at ambient temperatures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize low-temperature processable biodegradable block copolymers.
• To investigate their properties and suitability for biofunctional composites.

Main Methods:

• Ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide (LLA) using polyphosphoester macroinitiator.
• Hydraulic pressure processing (35 MPa) and characterization via small-angle X-ray scattering.
• Evaluation of protein (catalase) activity after processing at different temperatures.

Main Results:

• Synthesized biodegradable block copolymers processed under hydraulic pressure.
• Films exhibited temperature-dependent swelling and pressure-induced reversible changes in crystallinity.
• Young's modulus increased with LLA content, and materials showed recyclability.
• Catalase activity was preserved during room-temperature processing but reduced at high temperatures.

Conclusions:

• Low-temperature processable biodegradable polymers are suitable for biofunctional composites.
• Preservation of protein activity at ambient processing temperatures is key for biomedical applications.