Abstract
The increasing use of bioabsorbable polymeric materials in medicine has stimulated researchers in the materials field to search for solutions for the replacement of metallic artifacts by bioabsorbable polymers. Therefore, this study describes the in vitro degradation of PHBV, PCL and the blends of these polymers, both of which are bioabsorbable polymers. The samples were prepared by extrusion followed by injection, and subjected submitted to in vitro degradation in phosphate buffered saline solution with pH 7.3 and kept at 37° C. Through the characterization of the variation of mass, molar mass, mechanical properties and morphology, the results indicated that the samples analyzed are more stable to hydrolytic degradation when compared to other bioabsorbable polymers. The materials indicate signs of degradation after 30 days, with a small reduction in the molar mass. After 180 days, the materials indicated a significant reduction of molar mass and reduction in the mechanical properties.
Highlights
Bioabsorbable polymers are materials capable of degrading in vivo by the action of body fluids
Through the in vitro degradation, in phosphate buffered saline solution, with pH 7.3, of pure Poly(Hydroxybutyrate-Co-Valerate) - (PHBV) and Poly(Caprolactone) - (PCL) and from their blends in the compositions of PHBV/PCL (75/25) and PHBV/PCL (50/50), this study aimed to study the behavior of mass variation, the molar mass variation, the mechanical properties and morphology
The mass normalized due to the immersion time indicated a distinct behavior between the two polymers studied, and the two polymers proved to be more stable to hydrolytic degradation when compared to other bioabsorbable polymers, such as PLLA [14] and and Poly(Caprolactone) - (PCL)
Summary
Bioabsorbable polymers are materials capable of degrading in vivo by the action of body fluids. They are used for situations where the implant is intended to remain in place for a predetermined period, in order to fulfill a particular function. Over the past two decades, bioabsorbable implants have been tested and used in several orthopedic surgical procedures, including fracture fixation, bone replacement, repair of cartilage and meniscus, ligament fixation and drug vehicle. Depending on the components of the polymer, these materials can be shaped to provide sufficient initial stiffness, allowing the bone to bear a certain mechanical force for a period of time, and in some cases, starts to degrade. The ideal polymer properties are between the balance of mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic factors [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
