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Particulate retrieval of hydrolytically degraded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) polymers
F W Cordewener1, L C Dijkgraaf, J L Ong
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78284, USA.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
|January 25, 2000
Summary
This study developed a method to isolate polymeric particulate debris from degraded poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG). The technique successfully retrieved persistent nano- and microparticles, crucial for understanding biodegradable polymer implant complications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Biodegradable polymers like poly(alpha-hydroxy)esters are widely used in medical implants.
- Understanding the degradation byproducts, such as particulate debris, is crucial for assessing long-term biological effects.
- Previous studies have not fully characterized the nano- and microparticles generated during polymer degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel technique for retrieving polymeric particulate debris from degraded biodegradable polymers.
- To analyze the morphology and size distribution of the retrieved particles.
- To confirm the presence and identity of the polymer debris.
Main Methods:
- Hydrolytic in vitro degradation of 80/20 poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) in deionized water at 80°C for 6 weeks.
- Density gradient separation using isopropanol and water layers to isolate particulate matter.
- Filtration through 0.2-micrometer polycarbonate membranes.
- Analysis using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Main Results:
- FTIR confirmed the retrieved material was PLG.
- SEM revealed two distinct types of particles: fine powder and globular structures (500-750 nm) in the lower density layer.
- SEM showed crystalline-like particles (4-30 µm) in the higher density layer.
- The technique successfully isolated persistent nano- and microparticles.
Conclusions:
- The described method effectively retrieves polymeric particulate debris from degraded PLG.
- The degradation pathway of PLG generates persistent nano- and microparticles with varying morphologies.
- This retrieved debris is valuable for further research into the biological impact of biodegradable polymer implants.