MECHANISM OF THE BIODEGRADATION OF POLYCAPROLACTONE.

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers are becoming vital in the preparation of surgical implants, sutures, controlled release formulations of drugs and agricultural chemicals, weed suppressant coverng, and mulches. Our efforts have been directed toward; a) the development of biodegradation testing methods, b) studying the factors affecting the biodegradation of synthetic polymers and the mechanisms of biodegradation, and c) design and synthesis of new biodegradable polymers for special applications. During the course of our research to date we have found that both the nature of the chemical structures of the polymers and the morphology of the polymer samples affect the rates and extents of biodegradation of the polymer samples. We have studied in detail the microbial and enzymatic degradation of polycaprolactone, a polymer showing great promise as controlled release formulation matrix material.