Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) 85:15 is a hydrolytically degradable aliphatic polyester copolymer of D,L-lactide and glycolide. This grade has an 85:15 D,L-lactide:glycolide composition and a nominal inherent viscosity of 0.85 dL/g, with a specification range of 0.76–0.85 dL/g.
Hydrolysis of the polyester backbone produces progressive chain scission and loss of molar mass. Lactide:glycolide composition is one determinant of degradation behavior; molar mass and molar-mass distribution, end-group chemistry, specimen geometry, processing history, water uptake, and environmental conditions can also affect hydrolysis and mass loss.
Synonyms: PLGA; D,L-lactide & glycolide copolymer; poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide).
Key Properties
- Product number: 23989
- Polymer: Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)
- Copolymer composition: 85:15 D,L-lactide:glycolide
- CAS number: 26780-50-7
- Nominal inherent viscosity: 0.85 dL/g
- Inherent viscosity specification: 0.76–0.85 dL/g
- Glass transition temperature (Tg): 50–55°C
- Appearance: White to tan pelletized solid
- Residual monomer specification: ≤2.0 mole %
- Residual tin specification: ≤200 ppm
- Bacterial endotoxin specification: ≤0.5 EU/mL
- Identity: FT-IR conforms to reference
- Storage: -20°C
Applications
Hydrolytic Degradation Studies
PLGA 85:15 compositions are used to investigate changes in polymer molar mass, mass loss, morphology, and material properties during hydrolysis. Experimental degradation behavior depends on polymer characteristics together with specimen geometry, porosity, processing history, temperature, pH, and the surrounding medium.
Microsphere & Nanoparticle Formulation Research
PLGA 85:15 has been studied in microsphere and nanoparticle formulations prepared by emulsion, solvent-evaporation, microfluidic, and related processing methods. Particle size, morphology, encapsulation behavior, and release profiles depend on the complete formulation and processing conditions rather than copolymer ratio alone.
Controlled-Release Research
PLGA 85:15 has been investigated as a degradable matrix in controlled-release systems. Release can involve diffusion, polymer hydration, chain scission, pore formation, and erosion, with relative contributions determined by polymer characteristics, incorporated material, device or particle geometry, and processing conditions.
Porous Polymer Structures
PLGA 85:15 has also been studied in porous structures where pore size, porosity, specimen dimensions, and fabrication method influence water penetration and degradation behavior.
Solubility & Grade Selection
- Soluble in chloroform
- Soluble in acetone
- Soluble in ethyl acetate
- Soluble in tetrahydrofuran (THF)
- The 85:15 designation identifies the D,L-lactide:glycolide composition
- The 0.85 dL/g designation refers to the nominal inherent-viscosity grade
- Inherent viscosity is not a direct molecular-weight specification
- PLGA grades sharing CAS 26780-50-7 may differ in copolymer composition, viscosity grade, molar mass, end-group chemistry, architecture, and other polymer characteristics
Under otherwise comparable conditions, lactide-rich PLGA compositions such as 85:15 generally hydrolyze more slowly than 50:50 PLGA. Direct experimental comparisons should control additional polymer variables, including inherent viscosity or molar mass and end-group chemistry, rather than attributing differences solely to lactide:glycolide ratio.
Additional compositions and viscosity grades include PLGA 75:25, IV 0.65 dL/g, PLGA 50:50, IV 0.6 dL/g, and PLGA 50:50, IV 1.0 dL/g.
Application Tips
- Protect the polymer from moisture during storage, weighing, and processing
- Keep polymer grade, lot, formulation composition, and processing conditions constant when comparing degradation experiments
- For solvent-based processing, select the solvent with consideration for polymer concentration, formulation components, precipitation conditions, and solvent-removal method
- When comparing PLGA compositions, avoid changing inherent viscosity or other polymer characteristics unintentionally between experimental groups
- Use direct molar-mass characterization when interpretation depends on molecular weight or molecular-weight distribution rather than inferring these quantities from inherent viscosity alone
- Record specimen or particle geometry, porosity, and processing history when interpreting hydrolysis, mass-loss, or release data
Handling & Storage
- Store at -20°C
- Keep away from moisture
- Keep the container closed when not in use
- Handle in a well-ventilated laboratory workspace
- Wear protective gloves, safety glasses, and suitable protective clothing
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FAQ
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1. What is PLGA 85:15?
PLGA 85:15 is poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) containing D,L-lactide and glycolide in an 85:15 composition. It is a hydrolytically degradable polyester used in polymer-degradation, particle-formulation, controlled-release, and related materials research.
2. What does the 85:15 ratio in PLGA mean?
The 85:15 designation refers to the D,L-lactide:glycolide composition of the copolymer. Copolymer composition affects water uptake and hydrolytic degradation, but it is not the only variable controlling PLGA behavior.
3. What does IV 0.85 dL/g mean for this PLGA grade?
This grade has a nominal inherent viscosity of 0.85 dL/g and a specification range of 0.76–0.85 dL/g. Inherent viscosity is a solution-viscosity measurement related to polymer chain dimensions under defined measurement conditions; it should not be interpreted as a direct molecular-weight value.
4. Is inherent viscosity the same as molecular weight?
No. Inherent viscosity and molecular weight are related polymer characteristics, but they are not interchangeable. Conversion of viscosity data to molecular weight requires an appropriate polymer-solvent-temperature relationship and calibration.
5. What is the CAS number for PLGA 85:15?
The CAS number is 26780-50-7. The same CAS number can apply to PLGA materials with different lactide:glycolide compositions and polymer characteristics, so ratio and viscosity grade should also be considered when selecting a polymer.
6. What solvents dissolve this PLGA 85:15 grade?
Solvents listed for this grade are chloroform, acetone, ethyl acetate, and tetrahydrofuran (THF).
7. What is the glass transition temperature of this PLGA?
The glass transition temperature (Tg) is 50–55°C.
8. How does PLGA 85:15 differ from PLGA 50:50?
PLGA 85:15 contains more lactide and less glycolide than PLGA 50:50. Under otherwise comparable conditions, the more lactide-rich composition generally shows slower hydrolytic degradation. Meaningful comparisons should also account for inherent viscosity or molar mass, molecular-weight distribution, end-group chemistry, geometry, and processing conditions.
9. Is PLGA 85:15 the same as poly(D,L-lactide)?
No. Poly(D,L-lactide) is a lactide homopolymer. PLGA 85:15 is a copolymer containing both D,L-lactide and glycolide repeat units.
10. What quality specifications are defined for this PLGA grade?
The specification includes inherent viscosity of 0.76–0.85 dL/g, residual monomer ≤2.0 mole %, residual tin ≤200 ppm, bacterial endotoxin ≤0.5 EU/mL, and FT-IR identity conforming to reference.
11. How should PLGA 85:15 be stored?
Store at -20°C and protect the polymer from moisture.
12. Can larger quantities of PLGA 85:15 be requested?
For quantities beyond the standard offering, use the bulk-quote option.
Safety & Documentation
Review the Product Specification for product-specific quality criteria and the Safety Data Sheet for handling, storage, and safety information.
