Aliphatic Polyesters

Synonyms: L-PLA Poly(DL-lactide), Polyglactin;DL- PLGA (85 : 15), Polyglactin;DL- PLGA (75 : 25), Polyglactin;DL- PLGA (65 : 35), Polyglactin;DL- PLGA (50 : 50), Lactel 50:50  Poly(L-lactide-coglycolide), Poly(DL-lactide-coglycolide, Poly-e-caprolactone, Poly(DL-lactide-co-ecaprolactone, Poly(L-lactide-co-ecaprolactone

Description: Aliphatic polyesters are a group of synthesized homopolymers or copolymers. They are nontoxic and can easily be fabricated into a variety of novel devices, such as rods, screws, nails, and cylinders. The polymers are commercially available in varying molecular weights as both homopolymers and copolymers. Molecular weights of polyesters range from 2000 Da to greater than 100 000 Da.

Chemical Name: Poly[oxy[(1S)-1-methyl-2-oxo-1,2- ethanediyl]]

Bioabsorbable material; biocompatible material; biodegradable
material.

• Owing to their reputation as safe materials and their biodegradability, aliphatic polyesters are primarily used as biocompatible and biodegradable carriers in many types of implantable or injectable drug-delivery systems for both human and veterinary use. Examples of implantable drug delivery systems include rods, cylinders, tubing, films, fibers, pellets, and beads.  Examples of injectable drug-delivery systems include microcapsules, microspheres, nanoparticles, and liquid injectable controlled-release systems such as gel formulations.

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Poly(lactic acide) or poly(lactide), poly(glycolic acid) or poly(glycolide), poly (lactic co-glycolic acid) or poly(lactide-co-glycolide), and polycaprolactone are used in parenteral pharmaceutical formulations and are regarded as biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioabsorbable materials. Their biodegradation products are nontoxic, noncarcinogenic, and nonteratogenic. In general, these polyesters exhibit very little hazard.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, and breathing the dust of the polymers should be avoided. Aliphatic polyesters produce acid materials such as hydroxyacetic and/or lactic acid in the presence of moisture; thus, contact with materials that will react with acids, especially in moist conditions, should be avoided.

Lactic acid.