In vivo testing of crosslinked polyethers .2. Weight loss, IR analysis, and swelling behavior after implantation

As reported in Part I (''In vivo testing of crosslinked polyethers. I. Tissue reactions and biodegradation,'' I. Biomed. Mater. Xes., this issue, pp. 307-320), microscopical evaluation after implantation of crosslinked (co)polyethers in rats showed differences in the rate of biodegradation, depending on the presence of tertiary hydrogen atoms in the main chain and the hydrophilicity of the polyether system. Ln this article (Part II) the biostability will be discussed in terms of weight loss, the swelling behavior, and changes in the chemical structure of the crosslinked polyethers after implantation. The biostability increased in the order poly(POx) <poly(THF-co-OX)