Novel block copolymers of atactic PHB with natural PHA for cardiovascular engineering: Synthesis and characterization

Low-molecular weight macroinitiators derived from natural poly(3-hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs), which contain olefinic and activated by 18-crown-6 ether carboxylic end groups, were used in anionic ring opening polymerization (ROP) of racemic β-butyrolactone and new diblock copolymers of selected PHAs (PHB, PHBV, PHO) with atactic poly(R,S)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (a-PHB) were obtained. These novel copolymers were characterized using ¹H NMR, GPC and DSC. Hydrolytic degradation studies of selected copolymers were also performed. Finally, the suitability of these polymeric materials for cardiovascular engineering and as blend compatibilizers was demonstrated.