Fig. 2. Steps in the synthetic process. Step 1: synthesis of hydroxy-terminated polymaleic anhydride (P1: PMA–OH), Step 2: functionalization of PMA–OH with citric acid (P2: CA-g-PMA–OH), and Step 3: post co-polymerization of CA-g-PMA–OH with lactide and glycolide (P: CA-g-PMA-co-PLGA).