Degradation Behaviors of Polylactic Acid, Polyglycolic Acid, and Their Copolymer Films in Simulated Marine Environments.

ABSTRACT: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(glycolic acid) (PGA) are extensively studied biodegradable polymers. However, the degradation behavior of their copolymer, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), in marine environments has not yet been confirmed. In this study, the changes in macroscopic and microscopic morphology, thermal properties, aggregation, and chemical structure of PLA, PGA, PLGA-85, and PLGA-75 (with 85% and 75% LA content) in simulated marine environments were investigated. Results revealed that degradation occurred through hydrolysis of ester bonds, and the degradation rate of PGA was faster than that of PLA. The amorphous region degraded preferentially over the crystalline region, leading to cleavage-induced crystallization and decreased thermal stability of PLA, PLGA-85, and PLG

SUBMITTER: Chen Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11244091 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature