Cross-linked valerolactone copolymer implants with tailorable biodegradation, loading and in vitro release of paclitaxel

•Disc-shaped implants were formed from cross-linked δ-valerolactone-based copolymers.•Incorporation of a PEGylated cross linkable δ-valerolactone copolymer alters the physico-chemical properties of the discs.•The discs caused no adverse effects following 1 month implantation in vivo.•Facile post-loading resulted in high drug loading and sustained release in vitro.•The discs tailorable drug loading and in vitro release increases their functionality.