title: Mechanisms of polymer degradation in implantable devices. 2. Poly(DL-lactic acid).
abstract: The hydrolytic degradation of poly(DL-lactic acid) in an aqueous environment in which hydroxyl radicals have been generated has been investigated. Different methods (gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy) were employed to study the mechanisms of degradation of this amorphous physiologically absorbable polymer. The data indicated that the hydroxyl radical is likely to be a significant factor in the degradation of this polymer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Engineering, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Doherty
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental / Q000187:drug effects; D006868:Hydrolysis; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007773:Lactates / Q000378:metabolism*; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants
chemical_list: D007773:Lactates; D011108:Polymers; D017665:Hydroxyl Radical; D019344:Lactic Acid