Hydrolytic Degradation and Erosion of Polyester Biomaterials

Abstract

Strategies to refine the degradation behavior of polyester biomaterials, particularly to overcome the limitations of slow hydrolytic degradation, would broaden their utility. Herein, we examine the complexities of polyester degradation behavior, its assessment and strategies for refinement. The factors governing polyester degradation are strikingly complex. In addition to the half-life of the hydrolytically-labile bond, a series of interdependent material properties must be considered. Thus, methods used to characterize such material properties, both before and during degradation, must be carefully selected. Assessment of degradation behavior is further complicated by the variability of reported test protocols and the need for accelerated rather than real-time in vitro testing conditions. Ultimately, through better control of degradation behavior and correlation of in vitro, simulated degradation to that observed in vivo, the development of superior devices prepared with polyester biomaterials may be achieved.

Preparation and Characterization of Bio-Based PLA/PBAT and Cinnamon Essential Oil Polymer Fibers and Life-Cycle Assessment from Hydrolytic Degradation

“…However, the more linear structure of PLA makes this polymer more prone to hydrolysis. Compared to the fibers FC and F3, the fibers had higher values of Young´s modulus as indicative of higher stiffness of the fibers and, also, possible interactions between carbonyl groups mentioned in FTIR measurements makes surface erosion from the hydrolytic medium more difficult [106,112].…”

Poly(hydroxybutyrate)‐based systems behavior on the controlled release of NPK fertilizers

“…By analyzing the variations in the pH of the environment, distinct behaviors can be observed, although both acid and basic medium accelerates the degradation of this type of structure 22 . In general, the values found indicate that the change of pH of the environment was not significant under the employed conditions.…”

Effects of Nanofillers on the Hydrolytic Degradation of Polyesters

“…Bulk erosion refers to the loss of the entire material, while surface erosion refers to the loss of materials on the surface of the entire material. [27][28][29][30] Surface erosion is also referred to as the ''surface'' path as opposed to the ''volume'' path of bulk erosion. It is noted that the two forms of erosion may coexist in the hydrolytic degradation process, yet one of them may be dominant.…”