Biodegradable polymers for use in surgery—polyglycolic/poly(actic acid) homo- and copolymers: 1

The historical development of polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polylactic acid (PLA) polymers and copolymers for use in surgery is set down. Details of the synthesis of PGA and PLA polymers from their cyclic diesters are described, as well as a series of glycolide/lactide copolymers. The reactions were followed by time sampling techniques. The resulting samples were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (g.p.c.), differential scanning calorimetry (d.s.c.), thermogravimetric analysis (t.g.a.) and 220 MHz proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (n.m.r.). Details of these analytical technicques are given. The respective reactivity ratios of glycolide and lactide are elucidated. The effect of 60Co γ radiation on the molecular properties of PGA is also shown.