Study on In-Vitro Degradation of Bioabsorbable Polymers Poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) - (PHBV) and Poly (caprolactone) - (PCL)

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.