Studies on the degradability of a poly(ester amide) derived from L-alanine, 1,12-dodecanediol and 1,12-dodecanedioic acid

摘要

A new aliphatic poly(ester amide) derived from L-alanine has been synthesized and characterized. Degradability in different media has been studied and compared with BIOPOL, a well-known biodegradable polymer. The new poly(ester amide) shows a hydrolytic degradation that takes place through the eater linkage and an enzymatic degradation that strongly depends on the type of enzyme. Thus, proteolytic enzymes such as papain and proteinase K are the most effective ones. Biodegradation by microorganisms from soils and activated sludges has also been evaluated. Results indicate that BIOPOL degrades faster with microorganisms than the new polymer does. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. [References: 11]