Study of degradation of a new PLA braided biomnaterial in buffer phosphate saline, basic and acid media, intended for the regeneration of tendons and ligaments

NOTICE: this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Polymer Degradation and Stability. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Polymer Degradation and Stability, [Volume 98, Issue 9, September 2013, Pages 1563–1570] DOI 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2013.06.031The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of hydrolytic degradation on the properties of a PLA hollow braid designed as a new concept of biodegradable prosthesis for the regeneration of tendons and ligaments. The main function of the braided material is to bear mechanical loads while it is being replaced by the newly-generated tissue. The kinetics of braided material degradation is thus an important factor in determining the success of the product. In order to study this mechanism, PLA braid was subjected to a 12-month degradation process at 37 °C in PBS at pH 7.4 (to simulate the human physiological medium) and to accelerated degradation for one month in pH 12 and pH 3 solutions. Degradation of the braid subjected to hydrolysis was evaluated by weight loss, molecular weight distribution, mechanical properties, and calorimetric and morphologic analyses. The weight loss in a basic medium reached 21%, versus no significant change in the other media. Average molecular weight was reduced by approximately 50% in the three media, with loss of mechanical properties in all cases. The morphological changes were more evident in the PLA degraded in the basic medium. The crystallinity of the material increased at the first stages of degradation, regardless of the medium used.This work has been carried out thanks to the financial support of AITEX (Valencia, Spain).Araque Monrós, MC.; Vidaurre, A.; Gil Santos, L.; Gironés Bernabé, S.; Monleón Pradas, M.; Más Estellés, J. (2013). Study of degradation of a new PLA braided biomnaterial in buffer phosphate saline, basic and acid media, intended for the regeneration of tendons and ligaments. Polymer Degradation and Stability. 98(9):1563-1570. doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2013.06.0311563157098