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Updated: Jan 17, 2026
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Microwave-assisted Functionalization of Polyethylene glycol and On-resin Peptides for Use in Chain Polymerizations and Hydrogel Formation
Published on: October 29, 2013
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Enhanced Marine Biodegradability of Poly(Lactic Acid)-Based Polyurethanes via Alkylene Diglycolate Incorporation.
Yuushou Nakayama1, Chigen Kinoshita1, Ryo Tanaka1
1Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan.
Chemistry, an Asian Journal
|January 14, 2026
Summary
This study enhances Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) biodegradability in seawater by adding alkylene diglycolate structures. The new Poly(L-lactic acid)-based polyurethanes (PLLAUs) degrade faster and have improved mechanical properties.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a biodegradable polymer with environmental potential.
- High molecular weight PLLA exhibits limited biodegradability in marine environments.
- Enhancing PLLA's marine biodegradability is crucial for its environmental applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop PLLA-based materials with improved seawater biodegradability.
- To investigate the effect of incorporating alkylene diglycolate structures on PLLA properties.
- To synthesize and characterize novel PLLA-based polyurethanes (PLLAUs).
Main Methods:
- Synthesized novel PLLAUs via ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide using alkylene diglycolates.
- Performed chain extension with hexamethylene diisocyanate.
- Evaluated seawater biodegradability using biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) measurements.
Main Results:
- PLLAUs with alkylene diglycolate segments showed enhanced biodegradability in seawater compared to conventional PLLA.
- Incorporated alkylene diglycolate structures accelerated the extracellular hydrolysis stage of degradation.
- PLLAUs demonstrated superior tensile strength and elongation at break than conventional PLLA.
Conclusions:
- Alkylene diglycolate incorporation significantly improves PLLA's marine biodegradability.
- Novel PLLAUs offer a promising solution for biodegradable materials in marine applications.
- Enhanced PLLAUs possess improved mechanical performance alongside biodegradability.
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