In-vivo degradation of poly(lactic acid) of different molecular weights.
Lactic acid was polymerized using tetraphenyl tin as a catalyst. The molecular weight of the resultant poly(lactic acid) varied between 0.89 X 10(6) and 2.94 X 10(6) depending upon the concentration of the catalyst used. In-vivo degradation of the poly(lactic acid) samples having 4 different molecular weights were studies by implanting these in Wistar rats. It was found that at the end of a 48-week implantation period lower molecular weight poly(lactic acid) samples were degraded at a faster rate than the higher molecular weight samples.
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000378:metabolism*; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D007773:Lactates / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008970:Molecular Weight; D009947:Organotin Compounds; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000378:metabolism*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D007773:Lactates; D009947:Organotin Compounds; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; D019344:Lactic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide); C050213:tetraphenyl tin