This paper presents a review of the chemical, physical and morphological characteristics, as well as the existing applications and mechanisms for the production of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate). This biopolymer, which is obtained from renewable sources, degrades when exposed in biologically active environments and is biocompatible, that is, it is not rejected by the human body in health applications. However, in spite of presenting similar properties with some conventional plastics, the PHB exhibits fragile behavior and thermal instability when processed. The literature proposes the use of blends, the development of copolymers or the insertion of additives in an attempt to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of PHB. Key words: Biopolymers; polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA); Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Universidad EAFIT 269|From Obtaining to Degradation of PHB: Material Properties. Part I De la obtención a la degradación de PHB: Propiedades del material. Parte I ResumenEste artículo presenta una revisión de las características químicas, físicas y morfológicas, así como las aplicaciones y mecanismos existentes para la producción de poli(3-hidroxibutirato). Este biopolímero, que se obtiene a partir de fuentes renovables, se degrada cuando se expone en ambientes biológicamente activos y es biocompatible, es decir, no es rechazado por el cuerpo humano en aplicaciones de salud. Sin embargo, a pesar de presentar propiedades similares con algunos plásticos convencionales, el PHB exhibe comportamiento frágil e inestabilidad térmica cuando se procesa. La literatura propone el uso de mezclas, el desarrollo de copolímeros o la inserción de aditivos en un intento por mejorar las propiedades mecánicas y térmicas del PHB.Palabras clave: Biopolímeros; degradación de PHB; polihidroxialcanoato (PHA); polihidroxibutirato (PHB).

Poly (L-co-D,L lactic acid) (PLDLA) is an important biomaterial because of its biocompatibility properties that promote cellular regeneration and growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the polymer-tissue interaction of PLDLA implants in the dorsal subcutaneous tissue of male Wistar rats at various intervals (2, 7, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days) after implantation. Physical properties such as the glass transition point (Tg), degradation behavior and other mechanical properties were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tension tests. Analysis of the degradation of PLDLA membranes in vitro showed that the polymer became crystalline as a function of the degradation time. Mechanical tension tests showed that the polymer behaved like a ductile material: when subjected to constant tension it initially suffered deformation, then elongation and finally ruptured. TGA/MEV provided evidence of PLDLA membrane degradation. For histological analysis, samples from each group were processed in xylol/paraffin, except for the 60 -and 90 -day samples. Each of the latter samples was divided in two: one half was treated with xylol/paraffin and the other with historesin. Light microscopy showed the adhesion of cells to the biomaterial, the formation of a conjunctive capsule around the implant, the presence of epithelioid cells, the formation of foreign body giant cells and angiogenesis. During degradation, the polymer showed a 'lace' -like appearance when processed in xylol/paraffin compared to the formation of "centripetal cracks in the form of glove fingers" when embedded in historesin.

Abstract:The application of polymer-based bioresorbable temporary devices in the medical field grows continuously, and professionals from several areas act to solve problems related to body functions lost due to diseases, accidents or natural wear. Here we study the influence from poly(caprolactonetriol) (PCL-T) on the degeneration process in the copolymer poly(L-co-DL-lactic acid) (PLDLA) membrane, by producing PLDLA/PCL-T blends with 90/10, 70/30 and 50/50 relative concentrations. The data for in vitro degradation showed that PCL-T decreases the rate of PLDLA. This was obtained with the following techniques: Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Therefore, it is possible to vary the membrane degradation rate by changing the blend composition, which is a tool to tailor a biomaterial.

Aiming the development of high-performance biodegradable polymer materials, the properties and the processing behavior of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB), and their blends with poly(ε-caprolactone), PCL, have been investigated. The P(3HB) sample, obtained from sugarcane, had a molecular weight of 3.0 x 10 5 g.mol, a crystallinity degree of 60%, a glass transition temperature (T g ), at -0.8 °C, and a melting temperature at 171 °C. The molecular weight of PCL was 0.8 x 10 5 g.mol -1. Specimens of 70/30 wt. (%) P(3HB)/PCL blends obtained by injection molding showed tensile strength of 21.9 (± 0.4) MPa, modulus of 2.2 (± 0.3) GPa, and a relatively high elongation at break, 87 (± 20)%. DSC analyses of this blend showed two Tg´s, at -10.6 °C for the P(3HB) matrix, and at -62.9 °C for the PCL domains. The significant decrease on the T g of P(3HB) evidences a partial miscibility of PCL in P(3HB). According to the Fox equation, the new T g corresponds to a 92/8 wt. (%) P(3HB)/ PCL composition.