In-chain functionalization through the combination of ring opening copolymerization and oxime “Click” reaction towards X-ray opaque polylactide copolymers

X-ray imaging functionalization of biodegradable polyesters is a great demand and challenge in biomedical applications. In this work, a strategy of in-chain functionalization through the combination of ring opening copolymerization and oxime “Click” postfunctionalization was developed towards X-ray opaque polylactide copolymers. A functionalized cyclic carbonate was first synthesized and used as comonomer of polylactide copolymers, which were subjected to postfunctionalization of oxime “Click” reaction towards iodinated polylactide copolymers. The chemical structure and physical properties of the target products were traced and confirmed. In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation with 3T3-Swiss albino by Alamar blue demonstrated a low cytotoxicity. The X-ray radiopacity was analyzed by Micro-CT and quantified by Hounsfield Units value, which could be tailorable by the feedstock. It is a promising X-ray visible implantable biomaterial in biomedical applications.