Systemic analysis about residual chloroform in PLLA films

Abstract

Toxic volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), such as chloroform, are widely used in polymer manufacture in the field of implants and polymeric drug carriers. Several processes have to be carried out in order to remove toxic VOCs for patient safety without changing the thermal characteristics of the polymers. Therefore, we analyze the common commercial implant polymer poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and screen different annealing- and rinsing processes considering influence on their morphology and thermal properties. For PLLA a rinsing step followed by annealing results in acceptable chloroform contents according to the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) recommendations. Annealing processes reveal the lowest chloroform content after one day, which did not further decrease significantly with extended annealing time.