Biocompatible and biodegradable polytartaric acid-polyester
Author: Alexandrina Nan
Keywords: polytartaric acid, biocompatible polyester, biodegradable polyester
Applications
The application of polymers across various industrial sectors has become increasingly prevalent. However, it is widely acknowledged that this trend exerts significant pressure on the environment. Consequently, researchers are directing their efforts toward substituting traditional polymers with biocompatible and biodegradable materials.
The use of environmentally friendly polymers extends beyond industrial applications. Several studies in the literature suggest that biocompatible polymers can be used in the medical field for temporary prosthetic therapeutic devices, tissue engineering matrices, and targeted drug delivery.
Polytartaric acid is a polymer that belongs to both the polyester and polycarboxylic acid classes. Due to its main characteristic, biocompatibility, this polymer has numerous potential applications. Its structure contains multiple functional groups, allowing it to adhere quickly and securely to various surfaces and enabling it to be modified with different molecules as needed. Additionally, it is derived from tartaric acid, a raw material abundant in nature and renewable, making it cost-effective to produce.
Innovative aspects
The contemporary demand in polymer production necessitates cost-effective synthesis methods yielding biocompatible and biodegradable polymers. This invention fulfils modern, profitable, and environmentally sustainable synthesis requirements.
Tartaric acid is abundantly present in nature, making it a readily available raw material. The synthesis process of polytartaric acid is classified under “green chemistry” as it does not involve the use of solvents or catalysts, and the reaction by-product is water. This technology demonstrates a sustainable approach to production, aligning with environmentally friendly practices.
In our approach, we have opted to synthesize polytartaric acid through the direct condensation of tartaric acid. This method eliminates the use of catalysts, as other synthesis processes have been observed to result in incompletely purified polyesters due to residual catalyst traces.
Technology
The polymer preparation technology, which relies solely on tartaric acid as the raw material, is an efficient process. The synthesis occurs at a temperature of 160⁰C, with a reaction time of 3 hours, making it a practical and time-saving method.
Tartaric acid serves as both the raw material in the process and a catalyst in the reaction.
Advantages
- Polymer synthesis employs green chemistry principles, eliminating solvents and catalysts. Additionally, the resulting reaction by-product is water
- Synthesis is achieved at a low cost
- Biocompatible and biodegradable polyester