title: Mechanisms of biodegradation of implantable polymers.
abstract: This paper is concerned with the mechanisms by which polymers degrade following implantation in the body.  The possibility that enzymes, free radicals and other active species are involved in this degradation is discussed.
authors.affiliation: The Institute of Medical and Dental Bioengineering, University of Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D004798:Enzymes; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013314:Stress, Mechanical