Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
(a)
Aliphatic
polyester
PLLA/
PGA/PCL/
Hydration
Mass loss, loss
in mechanical
properties
Mass loss, loss
in mechanical
properties
De-
polymerization
Hydrolysis
Enzyme
Auto-catalysis
Auto-catalysis
Loss of mass integrity, fragmentation occurs
(b)
Further hydrolysis of the fragments occurs to particle
sizes that can be assimilated by phagocytes
Elimination by natural pathways
FIGURE 15.3
Sequence in the degradation of aliphatic polyesters.
