Publication at Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kr álové |
2011
Abstract
Biocompatible polymers derived from alpha-hydroxyacids, in particular homopolymers and copolymers of lactic and glycolic acids, are widely used in surgery, tissue engineering and drug formulation. Their polycondensation with polyhydric alcohols yields degradable low-molecularweight branched oligoesters.
Polymer plasticizers improve processibility, decrease brittleness and impart mechanical endurance to the oligoesters. Out of many plasticizers used in polymers, only a few of them have been approved for pharmaceutical applications.
The type and amount of plasticizers influence the degradation time of polymers and thus the drug release.