Hydrolysis rates of bio-based polymers

Bio-degradation assays were performed for bio-based polymers under environmental conditions with controlled temperature and pH using pH Stat titration. Suspensions of PLA and PBS microparticles, produced by e.g. cryo-milling, were incubated with proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes. Rates of hydrolysis, as determined by counter-titration with a diluted base (NaOH), was recorded for two hours. The thermal profile of PLA hydrolysis by protease was investigated. All measurements were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions.