Polydioxanones and polyoxalates

The ability to undergo biodegradation producing nontoxic by-products is a useful property for some medical applications. Biodegradable polymers [71] have been formulated for uses such as sutures, vascular grafts, drug delivery devices, and scaffolds for tissue regeneration, artihcial skin, orthopedic implants, and others. The polymers commonly known in the medical field for such applications include poly(a-hydroxy esters), poly(e-caprolactone), poly(ortho esters), polyanhydrides, poly(3— hydroxybutyrate), polyphosphazenes, polydioxanones, and polyoxalates (see Chapter 2 of Industrial Polymers, Specialty Polymers, and Their Applications). 

Degradable, synthetic polymers that are commonly known in the medical field include poly(a-hydroxy esters), poly(fi-caprolactone), poly(ortho esters), polyanhydrides, poly(3-hydroxy butyrate), polypho-sphazenes, polydioxanones, polyoxalates, and poly(amino acids). 

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