A recent publication in Macromolecules presents a powerful new analytical approach to uncover the detailed microstructure of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), a key material in drug delivery systems.
In this work, Masashi Serizawa and co-workers introduce an integrated strategy combining controlled chemical degradation with reverse-phase liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (RPLC-HRMS). This approach enables repeat-unit–level characterization of PLGA, providing unprecedented insight into sequence distributions and block-length heterogeneity.
Figure 1. Unraveling PLGA Sequence Heterogeneity: Linking Transesterification, Microstructure, and Solubility
By leveraging complementary degradation pathways and advanced data analysis, the study reveals residual dimer-alternating motifs and detailed block-length distributions that are difficult to access using conventional ensemble techniques such as NMR alone.
Importantly, the authors demonstrate how subtle variations in polymer microstructure directly influence solubility and material performance, highlighting the critical role of sequence heterogeneity in practical applications. This work applies dedicated mass spectrometry (SWAMP-MS) data analysis, which was developed in cooperation with CAST colleagues Tijmen Bos and Bob Pirok. The work is a result of a collaboration with Corbion.
This work establishes a robust analytical framework that bridges polymer chemistry and functional properties, opening new avenues for the rational design of sequence-controlled biodegradable polymers.
Read the full article here:
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.macromol.5c03061