Optimization of the Poly(glycerol citraconate) Synthesis Using the Box–Behnken Design

[Image: see text] This work aimed to obtain poly(glycerol citraconate) (PGCitrn) for biomedical applications, analyze the obtained polyester by spectroscopic methods, and optimize its preparation. Polycondensation reactions of glycerol and citraconic anhydride were carried out. It was provided that the results in the reaction are oligomers of poly(glycerol citraconate). Optimization studies were carried out based on the Box–Behnken design. The input variables in this plan were the ratio of functional groups, temperature, and time and occurrence in coded form: −1, 0, or 1. Three output variables were optimized: the degree of esterification, the percentage of Z-mers, and the degree of carboxyl group conversion; they were determined by titration and spectroscopic methods. The optimization criterion was to maximize the values of output variables. A mathematical model and an equation describing it were determined for each output variable. The models predicted the experimental results well. An experiment was conducted under determined optimal conditions. The experimental results were very close to the calculated values. Poly(glycerol citraconate) oligomers with an esterification degree of 55.2%, a Z-mer content of 79.0%, and a degree of rearrangement of carboxyl groups of 88.6% were obtained. The obtained PGCitrn can serve as a component of an injectable implant. The obtained material can be used to produce nonwoven fabrics (with the addition of PLLA, for example), which can be subjected to a cytotoxicity test which can then serve as a dressing material.