Synthetic Biodegradable Polymers with Chain End Modification: Polylactide, Poly(butylene succinate), and Poly(hydroxyalkanoate)

Of the various synthetic biodegradable polymers, polylactide, poly(butylene succinate), and poly(hydroxyalkanoate) have been widely studied and developed. This review focuses on studies of the chain end modification of these polymers. The selected research was categorized into initiators, chain end modification, including chain extending, and the degradation reaction. We cover the recent literature on this topic, and discuss the developing trends and challenges of biodegradable polymers.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the chain end modification studies of polylactide, poly(butylene succinate), and poly(hydroxyalkanoate), covering initiators, chain extending, and degradation reactions. Recent literature on this topic is discussed, along with the developing trends and challenges of biodegradable polymers.