Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), 50:50, IV 0.6 dL/g, also known as PLGA, PDLGA, or DL-PLGA, is a biodegradable lactide-glycolide copolymer used in controlled-release formulation research, degradable polymer studies, and biomedical materials development.
Synonyms / related names: PLGA; PDLGA; DL-PLGA; lactide and glycolide copolymer; poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide).
This product has a 50:50 D,L-lactide:glycolide composition and an intrinsic viscosity of approximately 0.6 dL/g. Compared with lactide-rich PLGA grades, 50:50 PLGA is commonly selected when relatively rapid hydrolytic degradation is desired in laboratory studies and polymer formulation development.
Researchers and formulators may use poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) 50:50 in microspheres, nanoparticles, controlled-release matrices, temporary degradable polymer device research, pharmaceutical formulation development, and polymer degradation studies.
Key Properties
- Biodegradable lactide-glycolide copolymer
- CAS Number: 26780-50-7
- Product Number: 23986
- Monomer ratio: 50:50 D,L-lactide:glycolide
- Synonyms: PDLGA, PLGA, DL-PLGA, lactide and glycolide copolymer
- Intrinsic Viscosity: ~0.6 dL/g
- Viscosity: ~0.6 dL/g
- Glass Transition Temperature (Tg): 45-50°C
- Density: 1.34
- Soluble in chloroform, DMSO, dichloromethane, acetone, ethyl acetate, and tetrahydrofuran
Applications
Controlled-Release Formulation Research
PLGA 50:50 is commonly used in controlled-release formulation research, including microspheres, nanoparticles, and polymer matrices where hydrolytic degradation and release behavior are evaluated.
Polymer Degradation Studies
This copolymer may be used in degradation studies where lactide:glycolide ratio, intrinsic viscosity, molecular weight behavior, and hydrolysis conditions are important experimental variables.
Temporary Degradable Polymer Devices
Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) 50:50 may be evaluated in temporary degradable polymer device research where short-term structural integrity and controlled degradation are desired.
Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Materials Research
PLGA is widely studied in pharmaceutical and biomedical materials literature. This product may be used in research and development workflows where PLGA composition, solubility, processability, and degradation behavior are relevant.
Solubility & Processing Considerations
- Soluble in chloroform, DMSO, dichloromethane, acetone, ethyl acetate, and tetrahydrofuran
- 50:50 PLGA generally degrades more rapidly than lactide-rich PLGA grades under comparable hydrolytic conditions
- Degradation behavior depends on molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity, end groups, processing history, moisture exposure, temperature, pH, and device or particle geometry
- Residual solvent control should be considered when preparing films, particles, or matrices
- Compatibility should be evaluated with active ingredients, excipients, solvents, stabilizers, and processing conditions before scale-up
Final performance should be confirmed under the user’s specific formulation and processing conditions, including solvent system, polymer concentration, drying method, particle or device geometry, storage conditions, and intended research application.
Preparation Tips
- Protect from moisture during handling and processing
- Use dry, compatible solvents and clean equipment for solution preparation
- Allow sufficient time for complete dissolution before casting, emulsification, or particle preparation
- Minimize heat and moisture exposure when degradation or molecular weight retention is important
- Run small-scale formulation and degradation studies before process transfer
Handling & Storage
- Protect from moisture
- Store at -20°C
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use
- Exercise normal care during handling
- Use good ventilation and standard laboratory safety practices
- Wear protective gloves and safety glasses when appropriate
- Refer to the Safety Data Sheet before handling
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FAQ
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1. What is Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), 50:50, IV 0.6 dL/g used for?
Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), 50:50, IV 0.6 dL/g is used in controlled-release formulation research, microspheres, nanoparticles, degradable polymer matrices, temporary device research, pharmaceutical formulation development, and polymer degradation studies.
2. What does the 50:50 ratio mean?
The 50:50 ratio refers to the listed molar composition of D,L-lactide and glycolide in the copolymer.
3. What is the intrinsic viscosity of this PLGA product?
The product page lists intrinsic viscosity at approximately 0.6 dL/g.
4. What solvents dissolve this PLGA?
The product page lists solubility in chloroform, DMSO, dichloromethane, acetone, ethyl acetate, and tetrahydrofuran.
5. How should Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), 50:50, IV 0.6 dL/g be stored?
Protect the product from moisture and store at -20°C. Review the Safety Data Sheet for complete storage, handling, and personal protective equipment guidance.
Safety & Documentation
Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide), 50:50, IV 0.6 dL/g should be handled using normal precautions and standard laboratory safety practices. The product is listed as an irritant and hygroscopic. Protect from moisture and refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product specification for complete handling, storage, hazard, and technical information.
