PCL(1,000)-b-PEG(10,000)-b-PCL(1,000) is an amphiphilic triblock polymer composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) end blocks and a central poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block. The numbers in parentheses refer to the approximate molecular weight of each block segment.
Caprolactone-based biodegradable polymers are widely used in biomedical and industrial materials research because their block structures can be designed to influence degradation behavior, polymer assembly, and functionalization potential. In this triblock polymer, the PEG terminal groups are blocked as methyl ethers, while the caprolactone end groups are hydroxyl and suitable for functionalization.
This PCL-PEG-PCL triblock polymer is useful for research involving biodegradable block copolymers, amphiphilic polymer assemblies, polymersomes or vesicles, controlled-release materials, and custom polymer synthesis development.
Key Properties
- Amphiphilic PCL-PEG-PCL triblock polymer
- Product Number: 25013
- CAS Number: N/A
- Molecular weight by segment: PCL ~1,000 | PEG ~10,000 | PCL ~1,000
- Synonym: Poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone)
- Available sizes: 0.5 g and 1 g
- Appearance: Beige solid
- Mw by GPC: Report value
- Mn by GPC: Report value
- PEG terminal groups are blocked as methyl ethers
- Caprolactone end groups are hydroxyl and suitable for functionalization
Applications
Biodegradable Polymer Research
Used in studies involving caprolactone-based biodegradable polymers, block copolymer structure, and controlled degradation behavior.
Amphiphilic Polymer Assemblies
Suitable for research involving amphiphilic block copolymers that can assemble into polymersomes, vesicles, or related polymeric structures.
Controlled-Release Materials
May be used in controlled-release materials research where polymer composition, amphiphilic structure, and degradation behavior are being evaluated.
Functional Polymer Development
The hydroxyl-terminated caprolactone blocks support functionalization studies and further modification of the triblock polymer structure.
Custom Synthesis & Block Copolymer Design
Useful as part of research workflows involving PCL-PEG-PCL block architecture, segment molecular weight selection, and custom biodegradable polymer development.
Structure & Compatibility Considerations
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Polymer architecture: A-B-A triblock copolymer
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Block composition: PCL end blocks with PEG center block
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Segment molecular weights: PCL ~1,000, PEG ~10,000, PCL ~1,000
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Functional groups: Hydroxyl-terminated caprolactone end groups; methyl ether-blocked PEG terminal groups
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Compatibility: Performance depends on solvent system, concentration, molecular weight distribution, processing conditions, and intended formulation
Final polymer behavior should be evaluated under the intended formulation, assembly, processing, or functionalization conditions.
Preparation Tips
- Confirm compatibility with the intended solvent system, formulation, or polymer assembly method before scale-up.
- Use controlled mixing and dissolution conditions to support uniform incorporation.
- Evaluate polymer concentration, solvent composition, temperature, and mixing order when preparing assemblies or formulations.
- For vesicle, polymersome, or controlled-release studies, test particle formation, stability, loading behavior, and degradation response under target conditions.
- Document solvent, concentration, temperature, mixing method, and processing conditions for reproducible results.
Handling & Storage
- Store at -20°C.
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use.
- Protect from contamination and unnecessary moisture exposure.
- Allow cold material to equilibrate before opening when needed to reduce condensation risk.
- Use standard laboratory handling practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is PCL(1,000)-b-PEG(10,000)-b-PCL(1,000) used for?
This triblock polymer is used in research involving biodegradable block copolymers, amphiphilic polymer assemblies, polymersomes or vesicles, controlled-release materials, and functional polymer development.
2. What do the numbers in parentheses mean?
The numbers in parentheses refer to the approximate molecular weight of each block segment: PCL ~1,000, PEG ~10,000, and PCL ~1,000.
3. What is the polymer architecture?
This product is an A-B-A triblock copolymer with poly(ε-caprolactone) end blocks and a central poly(ethylene glycol) block.
4. Are the end groups functional?
The PEG terminal groups are blocked as methyl ethers, while the caprolactone end groups are hydroxyl and suitable for functionalization.
5. Is this product suitable for medical or clinical use?
This product is useful for biomedical materials research. Suitability for any medical, clinical, diagnostic, implantable, or regulated use must be independently validated for the intended application.
6. How should this triblock polymer be stored?
Store at -20°C, keep the container tightly closed, and protect from contamination and unnecessary moisture exposure.
Safety & Documentation
Use standard laboratory handling practices. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), product specification, and Certificate of Analysis for safety, handling, storage, and lot-specific guidance.
