Biodegradable polymers (biopolymers) represent materials of new generation with application in different areas of human activity. Their production has recently reached a commercial level. They can be divided according to the origin (natural and synthetic), according to the chemical composition, methods of obtaining, application etc.
The use of biopolymers in medicine depends on their biocompatibility, mechanical resistance, and sorptive characteristics. Today, they are the most commonly used as implants in vascular and orthopedic surgery, for the production of materials such as catheters, products for gynaecology and haemodialysis, tooth reconstruction, etc.
In pharmacy, they are used as a medicine matrix-carrier to allow controlled release of drugs within the body. Within this review paper, the properties and methods of production of certain biopolymers such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactide acid (PLA), poly-ε-coprolactone (PCL) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) will be described in detail, as well as their application in medicine and pharmacy.
A biomaterial is defined as any natural or syn-thetic substance engineered to interact with biological systems to direct medical treatment. Biomaterials must be biocompatible meaning that they perform their function with an appropriate host response. Biodegradable polymers comprise ester, amide, or ether chemical bonds. In general, bio de-gradable polymers can be grouped into two large groups on basis of their structure and synthesis. One of these groups is agro-polymers, i.e., those derived from biomass. The other consists of bio polyesters, which are those derived from microorganisms or syn-thetically made from either naturally or synthetic monomers.
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