[The in vivo degradation, adsorption and excretion of poly(epsilon-caprolactone)]

The in vivo degradation of poly(epsilon-caprolactone(PCL) was studied in rats. The results showed that the PCL capsules with an initial molecualr weight of 66,000 stayed intact in vivo for 2 years, although the molecular weight of the capsules gradually declined during the two-year implantation. It then degraded into low molecular wight pieces with the extension of the implantation. Tritium-labeled low molecular weight PCL was subcutaneously implanted in rats to further investigate the absorption and excretion of the material. The radioactivity was first detected in blood 15 days post the implantation. At the same time radioactive excreta were recovered from feces and urine. An accumulative 92% of the implanted radioactive dosage was excreted from feces and urine 135 days post the implantation. In the meanwhile, the blood radioactivity dropped to the background level. Radioactivity in the organs was all close to the background level indicating that the material did not cumulate in body tissue and could be completely excreted.