The microscopical characterization of membranes poly (L-glycolic-co-lactic acid) with and without added plasticizer:...

The development of biodegradable materials has lead to renewed interest in the study of their interactions with the host organism in order to make the resulting products appropriate for use as temporary materials in clinical research, as well as important therapeutic applications. The copolymer poly (L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) or PLGA membranes have been used for several purposes. The physical properties of these materials can be modified by the addition of a plasticizer, such as the triethylcitrate, to provide flexibility and porosity to the implants, and enhance control of the polymer degradation time. Membranes with 7% plasticizer and without plasticizer (triethylcitrate) were compared. Membranes without plasticizer were denser and more compact than those with plasticizer. Two days and 30 days after implantation, the membranes with and without plasticizer showed little degradation. Sixty days and 120 days after implantation, the membranes with 7% plasticizer showed more cell invasion, and tissue adherence, as well as rapid degradation when compared to membranes without plasticizer.