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In vitro degradation and drug release from polymer blends based on poly(dl-lactide), poly(l-lactide-glycolide) and poly(ε-caprolactone)

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Abstract

Bioresorbable materials are extensively used for a wide range of biomedical applications. Accurately modifying and evaluating the degradation rate of these materials is critical to their performance and the controlled release of bioactive agents. The aim of this work was to modify the physical properties, degradation rate and drug delivery characteristics of thin films for medical applications by blending poly(dl-lactic acid) (PDLLA), poly(l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL). The thin films were prepared using solvent casting and compression moulding and the in vitro degradation study was performed by immersing the films in a phosphate-buffered saline at elevated temperature for a period of 4 weeks. The degradation rate of the materials was analysed by differential scanning calorimetry, tensile testing and weight loss studies. The thermal analysis of the blends indicated that the presence of PLGA or PDLLA in the film resulted in increased degradation of the amorphous regions of PCL. It was observed that the samples consisting of PDLLA with PCL demonstrated the greatest weight loss. The decrease in mechanical properties observed for both sets of polymer blends proved to be similar. The solvent cast technique was selected as the most appropriate for the formation of the polymer/drug matrices, due to the potentially adverse thermal processing effects associated with compression moulding. It was found that modulation of drug release was achievable by altering the ratio of PCL to PDLLA or PLGA in the thin film blends.

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Acknowledgement

This study was supported in parts by grants from both Enterprise Ireland and the Athlone Institute of Technology research and development fund.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials Research Institute, Athlone Institute of Technology, Dublin Rd, Athlone, Co., Westmeath, Ireland

    Paul F. McDonald, John G. Lyons, Luke M. Geever & Clement L. Higginbotham

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  1. Paul F. McDonald
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  2. John G. Lyons
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  3. Luke M. Geever
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  4. Clement L. Higginbotham
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Correspondence to Clement L. Higginbotham.

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McDonald, P.F., Lyons, J.G., Geever, L.M. et al. In vitro degradation and drug release from polymer blends based on poly(dl-lactide), poly(l-lactide-glycolide) and poly(ε-caprolactone). J Mater Sci 45, 1284–1292 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-009-4080-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-009-4080-9

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