Enhancing biocompatibility and degradation control of biodegradable polymers through amino acid grafting: A study on 4arm-PLGA-Amino acid copolymers

Non-degradable polymers, when retained in the body for long periods, can cause chronic inflammation and immune responses. This issue increases the costs related to secondary surgeries and overall healthcare. Conversely, while biodegradable polymers such as PLGA offer an alternative, their degradation rate is challenging to precisely control. Additionally, their mechanical properties deteriorate during the degradation process, and the degradation by-products may lead to localized acidification or other adverse reactions. In this study, we introduce a new biodegradable copolymer called 4arm-PLGA-Amino acid (4aPLGA-Amino acid). This copolymer is synthesized by grafting amino acids onto 4arm-PLGA (4aPLGA) using triphosgene, which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective. The incorporation of amino acids aims to enhance the biocompatibility and functionality of the copolymer. By varying the types of amino acids grafted, the degradation rate of 4aPLGA can be modulated, thereby improving its potential for applications in drug delivery systems. This modification also promotes cell attachment and proliferation, making it suitable for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The study demonstrated that 4aPLGA-Amino acid significantly improved biocompatibility, degradation control, and mechanical properties, broadening its applicability in various biomedical engineering fields.