Electrospun fibers from polylactide-based stereocomplex: why?

Abstract

Polylactides (PLAs) are attractive polymers since they are biocompatible and biodegradable; moreover they are producible from renewable resources. The formation of stereocomplex between enantiomeric poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactide) (PDLA) has been recognized as a promising approach for preparation of new materials. This review elucidates the electrospinning as a highly efficient technique for obtaining fibrous materials of stereocomplexes of PLA (scPLAs), and their facile preparation under mild conditions. The properties of electrospun scPLA-based materials such as improved thermal and hydrolytic stability, enhanced mechanical behavior, and thermal sterilizability are outlined and the prospects for their diverse applications are shown.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Electrospinning
• PLA-PBS block copolymer
• polylactide
• sterilization
• stereocomplex