PCL(1,000)-b-PEG(5,000) is an amphiphilic diblock polymer composed of a poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) block and a 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 diblock polymer, the PEG terminal groups are blocked as methyl ethers, while the caprolactone end groups are hydroxyl and suitable for functionalization.
This PCL-PEG diblock 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 diblock polymer
- Product Number: 25012
- CAS Number: N/A
- Molecular weight by segment: PCL ~1,000 | PEG ~5,000
- Synonym: Poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)
- Available sizes: 0.5 g and 1 g
- Appearance: White solid powder or lumps
- GPC values: Reported by lot on the Certificate of Analysis
- 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 diblock copolymers that can assemble into polymersomes, vesicles, micellar systems, 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 block supports functionalization studies and further modification of the diblock polymer structure.
Custom Synthesis & Block Copolymer Design
Useful as part of research workflows involving PCL-PEG block architecture, segment molecular weight selection, and custom biodegradable polymer development.
Structure & Compatibility Considerations
-
Polymer architecture: A-B diblock copolymer
-
Block composition: PCL block with PEG block
-
Segment molecular weights: PCL ~1,000 and PEG ~5,000
-
Functional groups: Hydroxyl-terminated caprolactone end groups; methyl ether-blocked PEG terminal groups
-
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, micellar, 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.
Why Choose Polysciences?
Trusted by 6,000+ Researchers Worldwide
Cited in Thousands of Peer-Reviewed Studies
U.S. Manufacturing & Global Distribution
Reliable Delivery to 40+ Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is PCL(1,000)-b-PEG(5,000) used for?
This diblock 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 and PEG ~5,000.
3. What is the polymer architecture?
This product is an A-B diblock copolymer composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) and poly(ethylene glycol) blocks.
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. Where can I find Mn, Mw, and Mw/Mn values?
Mn, Mw, and Mw/Mw are lot-specific GPC values and are reported on the Certificate of Analysis when applicable.
6. 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.
7. How should this diblock 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.
