Attempts to map the structure and degradation characteristics of aliphatic polyesters derived from lactic and glycolic acids

J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 1994;6(7):639-49. doi: 10.1163/156856294x00581.

Abstract

During the past 5 years, important advances have been accomplished in the understanding of the fate of aliphatic polyesters derived from lactic acid (LA) and glycolic acid (GA) in aqueous media. Hydrolysis of solid LA/GA polymers is now regarded as dependent upon a diffusion-reaction mechanism. Faster central degradation, degradation-induced composition, and morphology changes are three of the most important findings which appeared to be composition-dependent as deduced from the behavior of different LA/GA polymers. An attempt is made to generalize these findings to the whole family and to elaborate a map which could be used to predict degradation characteristics of LA/GA polymers from their initial composition and morphology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Hydrolysis
  • Lactates / chemistry*
  • Lactic Acid*
  • Materials Testing*
  • Polyesters
  • Polyglactin 910 / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*

Substances

  • Lactates
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • Lactic Acid
  • Polyglactin 910
  • poly(lactide)