Michiel van Alst; Mart J. D. Eenink, Ph.D; Marc-Anton B. Kruft, PhD; Natasja M. Niessen-Burm; Robert van Tuil; Tom J Uitslag; Purac Biomaterials.

Lactide based polymers present a well known class of materials applied in a large variety of resorbable products in numerous applications. They comprise a group of polymers with tuneable properties, such a degradation time and mechanical strength. They have proven track records of excellent clinical outcomes in a wide range of medical and pharmaceutical applications showing excellent in vivo biocompatibility and biological safety. The polymers degrade by hydrolysis and are eliminated by the human body through natural pathways via the Krebs cycle.

The polymers fulfil a temporary function allowing the tissue to heal and resume its original function before the implant looses its mechanical integrity. The resorption time of devices based on these polymers can be tuned, from a polymer perspective, by tailoring the molecular weight, the crystallinity and the hydrophilicity of the polymer.

The performance of the implant can be achieved through device design and manufacturing method as well as tailoring the properties of the polymer itself.

These properties make lactide based polymers a very attractive class of resorbable polymers for use in medical device applications.