Biodegradable polymers common

Like the in vitro studies, the in vivo degradation of the TMC-CL copolymers containing 89% CL showed no change in shape or size after one year. As the degradation of the TMC-CL copolymers was so slow, a mature fibrous capsule remained throughout the year. Histological results of the TMC-CL copolymers were similar to those obtained from TMC-DLLA or other commonly used biodegradable polymers. 

Common biodegradable polymers for medical devices are constructed from synthetic linear aliphatic polyesters. One material commonly used for internal sutures is poly(glycolic acid) (PGA). PGA is synthesized from the dimer of glycolic acid (Fig. 13.1.l). 1... 

The most common synthetic biodegradable polymers for suture material and their corresponding weight loss in aqueous solution are listed in Table 3.10. Of these, poly(glycolic acid), PGA, poly(lactic acid), PLA, and copolymers of these two polyesters are the most widely used for resorbable sutme material. PGA is a tough. 

Table 3.10 Comparative Weight Loss for Some Common Biodegradable Polymers, Given as Time for 10% Weight Loss at 37°C and pH 7.4...

As pointed out by Heller (2), polymer erosion can be controlled by the following three types of mechanisms (1) water-soluble polymers insolubilized by hydrolytically unstable cross-links (2) water-insoluble polymers solubilized by hydrolysis, ionization, or protonation of pendant groups (3) hydrophobic polymers solubilized by backbone cleavage to small water soluble molecules. These mechanisms represent extreme cases the actual erosion may occur by a combination of mechanisms. In addition to poly (lactic acid), poly (glycolic acid), and lactic/glycolic acid copolymers, other commonly used bioerodible/biodegradable polymers include polyorthoesters, polycaprolactone, polyaminoacids, polyanhydrides, and half esters of methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymers (3). 

PLA is the most commonly used biodegradable polymer found in fibre form. PLA fibre properties compare favourably with both PET and rayon fibres. Potential PLA fibre applications include apparel, bedding, carpet, furnishings, personal care, nonwovens and industrial textiles. 

The most fundamental classification of polymers is whether they are naturally occurring or synthetic. Common natural polymers (often referred to as biopolymers) include macromolecules such as polysaccharides e.g., starches, sugars, cellulose, gums, etc.), proteins e.g., enzymes), fibers e.g., wool, silk, cotton), polyisoprenes e.g., natural rubber), and nucleic acids e.g., RNA, DNA). The synthesis of biodegradable polymers from natural biopolymer sources is an area of increasing interest, due to dwindling world petroleum supplies and disposal concerns. 

Many different biodegradable polymer chemistries have been proposed for these applications however, the most common and successful are the polyesters that were first investigated as degradable sutures. These polymers include poly(glycolide), poly(D,L-lactide), and... 

Table 1 Common classes and examples of biodegradable polymers...

Biodegradable Polymers as Drug Carriers Table 5 Common polyanhydride structures... 

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