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Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters

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The introduction of polyesters has brought major development to the textile industry. The wrinkle-free behavior of polyester blends has eliminated the need for starching and ironing clothes.
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the polymer...

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Fabricating Superhydrophobic Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications

Fabricating Superhydrophobic Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications

Published on: August 28, 2015

Physiologically Relevant Mechanics of Biodegradable Polyester Nanoparticles.

Nourin Alsharif¹, Behnaz Eshaghi², Björn M Reinhard²

¹Department of Mechanical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States.

|September 28, 2020

Summary

Biodegradable polyester nanoparticles soften significantly in physiological conditions. This mechanical change, driven by glass transition, impacts their in vivo behavior and drug delivery applications.

Keywords:

biodegradable nanoparticle mechanical property nanoindentation polyester nanoparticle polymer nanoparticle

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Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Nanotechnology
Polymer Chemistry

Background:

Biodegradable polyester nanoparticles are widely used in drug delivery.
Nanoparticle mechanics significantly influence nano-bio interactions.
Systematic studies on nanoparticle mechanics under physiological conditions are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles under simulated physiological conditions.
To understand the factors influencing nanoparticle softening, including temperature, hydration, and molecular weight.

Main Methods:

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) for indentation experiments.
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for thermal analysis.
Mechanical and thermoanalytical characterization.

Main Results:

Dried nanoparticles were rigid at room temperature.
Elastic modulus decreased up to 30-fold in water at 37 °C.
Softening attributed to glass transition, influenced by miniaturization, molecular weight, and water immersion.

Conclusions:

Polymer nanoparticle mechanics change dramatically under physiological conditions.
Understanding these mechanical changes is crucial for optimizing nanoparticle-based drug delivery.
Provides insights for researchers studying nanoparticle-biomaterial interactions in vivo.