Description

L(-)-Lactide USP

L(-)-Lactide USP is a high-purity, enantiomerically pure cyclic diester of L-lactic acid used as a monomer in the synthesis of bioresorbable polymers, including poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA). Its role in pharmaceutical, medical device, and drug delivery applications is critical for creating biocompatible, biodegradable matrices with controlled degradation profiles. L(-)-Lactide is

• A USP-compliant L-lactic acid dimer for biodegradable polymer synthesis
• An enantiomerically pure form that enables high crystallinity and predictable degradation
• Used in drug delivery systems, sutures, orthopedic implants, and controlled-release formulations
• Suitable for melt extrusion, solvent casting, and ring-opening polymerization
• Manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions
• Supplied with complete regulatory documentation including Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and supporting technical data

L(-)-Lactide is the cyclic dimer of L-lactic acid, appearing as white crystalline flakes or powder. It serves as a key intermediate in the ring-opening polymerization process that produces high-molecular-weight PLLA—a polymer widely used in medical-grade devices and drug delivery platforms due to its bioresorbability and safe metabolite profile (lactic acid).

In pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, L(-)-Lactide USP is used in:

• Injectable and implantable drug delivery systems for controlled release of small molecules and biologics
• Sutures, tissue scaffolds, and orthopedic fixation devices that degrade into non-toxic byproducts
• Microspheres and nanoparticles designed for time-dependent degradation and therapeutic delivery
• Polymer-drug conjugate manufacturing for tumor targeting and depot formulations
• 3D-printable medical resins and resorbable coating technologies

The stereoregularity of L(-)-Lactide allows for high polymer crystallinity, which is essential for tailoring mechanical properties and degradation rates in resorbable formulations. It can be co-polymerized with glycolide or D,L-lactide to customize polymer architecture.

CarboMer supplies L(-)-Lactide USP with stringent control over enantiomeric purity, residual monomer content, heavy metals, and particle size. Each lot conforms to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) specifications and is suitable for regulated use in parenteral and implantable products.

The material is packaged in nitrogen-purged, moisture-resistant, tamper-evident containers. Available in R&D, pilot, and commercial-scale volumes. Minimum order quantities (MOQ), lead times, and full documentation—including CoA and SDS—are available upon request.

Each batch is tested for identity (NMR, IR), assay, optical rotation, residual solvents, heavy metals, and microbial purity. Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and full traceability documentation accompany every shipment.

As with all CarboMer biodegradable intermediates and medical-grade excipients, L(-)-Lactide USP is supported by formulation guidance, polymerization expertise, and regulatory support to help you develop safe, effective, and sustainable biomedical solutions.