Biocompatible graft copolymers from bacterial poly(γ-glutamic acid) and poly(lactic acid)

We report a novel approach for the modular and convergent construction of biocompatible graft copolymers starting from bacterial poly(gamma-glutamic acid)(gamma-PGA) and incorporating poly(lactic acid) (PLA). This synthesis strategy is controlled at different levels: (a) the choice of a suitable initiator for the ring-opening polymerization of lactide; (b) the chemical elaboration of the polylactic fragments; and (c) their convergent grafting to functionalization of bacterial gamma-PGA propargyl ester using copper(i)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) click chemistry. The graft copolymers are characterized in terms of their thermal and macromolecular properties, their conformational preferences through molecular modelling, and their cytotoxicity.

Automated summary

A novel approach for constructing biocompatible graft copolymers starting from bacterial poly(gamma-glutamic acid) and incorporating poly(lactic acid) was reported. The synthesis strategy is controlled at different levels to achieve controlled grafting of polylactic fragments to bacterial gamma-PGA propargyl ester. Characterization of the graft copolymers includes thermal and macromolecular properties, molecular modeling for conformational preferences, and evaluation of cytotoxicity.