PLGA 85:15
Synonyms: Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) 85:15
CAS No: 26780-50-7
Appearance: Pale yellow particle
End Group: Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options
Minimal order quantity: 30 gram
Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) 85:15 is a premium-grade, biodegradable copolymer extensively utilized in the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields. Synthesized through the ring-opening copolymerization of lactic acid and glycolic acid with a molar ratio of 85:15, this material offers a higher hydrophobicity compared to other PLGA formulations. Due to its high lactide content, PLGA 85:15 exhibits slower hydrolytic degradation kinetics, making it the ideal polymer matrix for applications requiring extended stability and structural integrity over periods ranging from several months to over a year.
As a highly versatile biomaterial, PLGA 85:15 is engineered for advanced drug delivery systems where sustained release is critical. Its physical properties allow for high encapsulation efficiency of both small molecule drugs and macromolecules, such as peptides and proteins. Upon administration, the polymer undergoes gradual degradation via hydrolysis of its ester linkages, metabolizing into non-toxic monomers that are safely eliminated by the body. This exceptional biocompatibility minimizes systemic toxicity, rendering it suitable for formulating long-acting injectables, microspheres, and in situ forming implants.
Beyond pharmaceutical formulations, this polyester plays a pivotal role in tissue engineering and medical device fabrication. Its mechanical strength and tunable degradation profile make it a preferred material for 3D printing scaffolds, bone regeneration matrices, and absorbable sutures. Whether used for controlled therapeutic delivery or as a temporary support structure for cell growth, PLGA 85:15 provides researchers and manufacturers with a reliable, FDA-approved polymer standard for developing next-generation biomedical solutions.
| Chemical Name | IV(dl/g) | Mw(Da) |
|---|---|---|
| 85/15 Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options | ≤0.08 | ≤5000 |
| 85/15 Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options | 0.08-0.18 | 5000-15,000 |
| 85/15 Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options | 0.18-0.25 | 15,000-23,000 |
| 85/15 Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options | 0.25-0.35 | 23,000-37,000 |
| 85/15 Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options | 0.35-0.45 | 37,000-52,000 |
| 85/15 Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options | 0.45-0.55 | 52,000-69,000 |
| 85/15 Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options | 0.55-0.65 | 69,000-87,000 |
| 85/15 Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options | 0.65-0.75 | 87,000-106,000 |
| 85/15 Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options | 0.75-0.85 | 106,000-127,000 |
| 85/15 Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options | 0.85-1.0 | 127,000-159,000 |
| 85/15 Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options | 1.0-2.0 | 159,000-416,000 |
| 85/15 Poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options | 2.0-3.0 | 416,000-730,000 |
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
PLGA 85:15 is one of the slower-degrading formulations due to its high lactide content (85%), which makes the polymer more hydrophobic.
Biodegradation Time: Typically ranges from 5 to 12 months (or longer), depending on the molecular weight, shape of the device, and implantation site.
Comparison: It degrades significantly slower than PLGA 50:50 (which takes 1–2 months) and PLGA 75:25 (which takes 3–4 months). This makes it ideal for long-acting implants requiring sustained structural support or extended drug release.
PLGA 85:15 is soluble in a wide range of common organic solvents.
Primary Solvents: Dichloromethane (DCM), Chloroform, and Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP).
Other Compatible Solvents: Tetrahydrofuran (THF), Acetone, Ethyl Acetate, and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO).
Note: It is generally insoluble in water, alcohols (like methanol or ethanol), and ethers.
The 85:15 lactide-to-glycolide ratio creates a more hydrophobic polymer matrix.
Sustained Release: It creates a “tighter” matrix that slows down water penetration and hydrolysis. This results in a slower drug release profile, reducing the “burst effect” often seen with hydrophilic polymers like PLGA 50:50.
Best Use Case: It is the preferred choice for encapsulating hydrophobic drugs or for formulations where drug release is required over a period of 3 to 6 months or longer.
PLGA is a hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive) biodegradable polyester.
Temperature: Store at -20°C (freezer) to prevent degradation and maintain molecular weight stability.
Humidity: Keep the container tightly sealed and, if possible, store it in a dry box or with desiccant packs to protect it from moisture. Allow the polymer to reach room temperature before opening the bottle to prevent condensation.
PLGA 85:15 is generally considered amorphous. Although the high lactide content (85%) brings it closer to the semi-crystalline nature of pure Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), the presence of the glycolide units disrupts the crystalline structure. This amorphous nature is beneficial for ensuring uniform drug dispersion in formulation processes.
Yes. PLGA 85:15 is a thermoplastic and is suitable for:
Hot Melt Extrusion (HME): Often used to create implants or rods.
3D Printing: Compatible with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and other extrusion-based printing methods.
Processing Temperature: The glass transition temperature (Tg) is typically between 50°C and 55°C, allowing for processing at moderate temperatures without degrading sensitive active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).