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

A new aliphatic poly(ester amide) derived from L-alanine has been synthesiz ed and characterized. Degradability in different media has been studied and compared with BIOPOL, a well-known biodegradable polymer. The new poly(est er 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 m ost effective ones. Biodegradation by microorganisms from soils and activat ed sludges has also been evaluated. Results indicate that BIOPOL degrades f aster with microorganisms than the new polymer does. (C) 2000 Elsevier Scie nce Ltd. All rights reserved.