Bioabsorbables, aliphatic polyesters

Poly(l,4-dioxan-2-one) (PDON), a well-known aliphatic polyester with outstanding biocompatibility, bioabsorbability and good flexibility (34), has received the approval of the FDA to be used as suture material in gynecology (35). However, Haruo Nishida (36) reported that the M of PDON was 1800... 

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is an important member of biodegradable aliphatic polyester family. PBS and related copolymers have shown considerable promise for uses as environmentally biodegradable thermoplastics, as well as bioabsorbable/biocompatible medical materials (/). In both cases, practical applications require that the polymer possess a high molecular weight (M >20,000) so that it can have useful mechanical properties. 

Bioabsorbable polymers such as aliphatic polyesters from the poly ((z-hydroxy acids) family, especially polylactic acid (PLA), are well known bioabsorbable materials and are widely used for biomedical applications... 

Abstract A review is presented of the main types of bioresorbable or bioabsorbable materials used in medical applications such as drug delivery. Groups discussed include aliphatic polyesters, polyanhydrides, poly(ortho esters) (POE), polyphosphazenes, poly(amino acids) and pseudo poly(amino acids), polyalkylcyanoacrylates, poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF), poloxamers, poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). 

Hie ester linkage of aliphatic and aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters can easily be cleaved by hydrolysis under alkaline, acid, or enzymatic catalysis. This feature makes polyesters very attractive for two related, but quite different, applications (i) bioresorbable, bioabsorbable, or bioerodible polymers and (ii) environmentally degradable and recyclable polymers. 

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