Synthesis of functional polylactide : Monomer synthesis scale-up and poly(ethylene glycol) functionalization

Abstract: This master’s degree project optimized the synthesis route to a functional lactide by increasing the total yield from 25 to 33 % and reducing the number of unit operations from 17 to 10. This was done by optimizing an existing synthetic pathway to better fit larger scale manufacturing. The monomer was also successfully copolymerized with ʟ-lactide and functionalized by attaching poly(ethylene glycol) units of varying chain lengths to the polylactide chain, which gives some antifouling properties to the copolymer. The resulting material, a functionalized polylactide, is an interesting material suitable for the use in medical implats, largely thanks to its versatility and ability to be tailored for a specific purpose.