The influence of lactic on the properties of Poly (glycerol–sebacate–lactic acid)

We synthesized a series of poly (glycerol, sebacate and lactic acid) (PGSL) with 1:1:0, 1:1:0.25, 1:1:0.5, 1:1:1 mole ratio of glycerol, sebacate and lactic acid, in order to elucidate the relation of microstructure to the degradation rate and mechanical properties. The microstructure of the polymer with lactic acid in the ratio of 0.25 displayed phase separation structure. The crystallization temperature (Tc) and absolute crystallization enthalpy (ΔHc) of PGSL tended to decrease with the increasing ratio of lactic acid. Degradation rate of PGSL with lactic acid in the ratio of 0.25 was fastest in vitro and 35% mass loss occurred after 60 day degradation. In the range of 0, 0.5 and 1, the degradation rate decreased slightly with the lactic acid increasing and 18% mass loss occurred after 60 day degradation when lactic acid was doped in the ratio of 1.0. All PGSL polymers inhibited platelet adhesion, prolonged whole blood clotting time, activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time. In conclusion, doping lactic acid can modulate the microstructure of poly (glycerol, sebacate) (PGS), thereby control the degradation rate and mechanical property of PGS.