Abstract
The effects of size and shape of calcium carbonate (CC) and hydroxyapatite (HA) fillers on the degradation of poly(DL-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) were examined in the PLGA composite films containing 50 mass% of the fillers. The composite and unfilled films were prepared by our method reported previously. The films were immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (pH 7.4) at 37 degrees C for up to 12 weeks. The fate of the films was monitored by weighing and size exclusion chromatography. Blending HA and CC fillers to PLGA retarded the degradation of the PLGA matrix by obstructing the autocatalytic effect caused by carboxylic acid end groups. CC was a little more effective in retarding the degradation than HA. The size of the fillers showed a significant effect on the degradation. The effect of size was more marked in HA than in CC filler. The shape of CC filler had little effect on the degradation in the two shapes studied.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
