Synthesis and post-polymerization functionalization of bromide-terminated polyesters via 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (TMG)-promoted polyesterification for biomedical applications

This study explores the synthesis of functionalized polyesters using 1,1,3,3-tetramethylguanidine (TMG)-promoted polyesterification between dicarboxylic acids and dibromides. Traditional polyesters face limitations due to a lack of functional groups, hindering their biomedical utility. The TMG-mediated method enables efficient polymerization under mild conditions, producing linear and hyperbranched polyesters with reactive bromide termini. These bromide-terminated polyesters serve as versatile precursors for post-polymerization modifications, allowing the introduction of diverse functionalities (e.g., stimuli-responsiveness, fluorescence, drug conjugation) and the creation of block copolymers, hydrogels, and polymer-drug conjugates. The platform demonstrates broad monomer compatibility, scalability, and tunability, making it promising for applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and multifunctional biomaterials.