Resorbable polyesters: composition, properties, applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Synthetic polyesters, particularly those derived from lactic acid and glycolic acid, are crucial biomaterials.
• Their inherent biocompatibility and safety profile make them ideal for medical applications.
• Degradability within the human body is a key advantage for temporary implants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe synthetic polyesters for medical and technical uses.
• To highlight their advantages, including biocompatibility, safety, and biodegradability.
• To explore their processing, properties, and applications in temporary implants and drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Production of resorbable polyesters via direct polycondensation or ring-opening polymerization.
• Characterization of polymer properties, including hydrolytic and thermal degradation, crystallinity, and mechanical strength.
• Evaluation of processing techniques like extrusion and injection molding for thermoplastic polymers.

Main Results:

• A broad range of polyesters with diverse features can be produced.
• Properties such as degradation rates, crystallinity, and mechanical strength are controllable.
• Polyesters are successfully utilized in wound closure, fracture fixation, and drug delivery systems.

Conclusions:

• Synthetic polyesters offer significant advantages for temporary medical implants due to their safety and degradability.
• Tunable properties allow for tailored applications in various medical fields.
• Further improvements in polymer and process technology can lead to enhanced implants and novel applications.