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Recent developments in ring opening polymerization of lactones for biomedical applications.
Ann-Christine Albertsson1, Indra K Varma
1Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, The Royal Institute of Technology, S-10044 Stockholm, Sweden.
Biomacromolecules
|November 11, 2003
Summary
Aliphatic polyesters, synthesized via lactone ring-opening polymerization, are vital for medical devices and drug delivery. This review details their synthesis, property tuning, and biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Aliphatic polyesters are widely utilized in surgical and pharmacological applications due to their bioresorbable nature.
- Applications include orthopaedic devices, sutures, stents, tissue engineering, adhesion barriers, and controlled drug delivery systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review synthesis methods for aliphatic polyesters.
- To discuss tailoring polymer properties (molecular weight, composition, architecture) for medical applications.
- To detail the structure-property-degradation relationships and biomedical applications of these polymers.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and emerging synthesis techniques for aliphatic polyesters.
- Analysis of methods for controlling polymer characteristics.
- Compilation and discussion of published data on polymer properties and degradation.
Main Results:
- Various ring-opening polymerization methods enable polyester synthesis.
- Precise control over molecular weight, composition, and architecture is achievable.
- Structure significantly influences polymer properties, degradation rates, and suitability for specific medical uses.
Conclusions:
- Aliphatic polyesters are versatile biomaterials with tunable properties.
- Controlled synthesis is crucial for meeting stringent medical device requirements.
- These polymers offer significant potential across diverse biomedical fields.