The modification of PLA and PLGA using electron-beam radiation

The degradable polymers polylactide (PLA) and polylactide‐co‐glycolide (PLGA) have found widespread use in modern medical practice. However, their slow degradation rates and tendency to lose strength before mass have caused problems. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether treatment with e‐be...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B 2009-06, Vol.89A (3), p.567-574
Main Authors: Leonard, Dermot J., Pick, Louise T., Farrar, David F., Dickson, Glenn R., Orr, John F., Buchanan, Fraser J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
bioabsorption
electron beam
Electrons
Lactic Acid - chemistry
Lactic Acid - radiation effects
Models, Molecular
Molecular Weight
Polyesters - chemistry
Polyesters - radiation effects
polyglycolic acid
Polyglycolic Acid - chemistry
Polyglycolic Acid - radiation effects
polylactic acid
Radiation
surface modification
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Summary:The degradable polymers polylactide (PLA) and polylactide‐co‐glycolide (PLGA) have found widespread use in modern medical practice. However, their slow degradation rates and tendency to lose strength before mass have caused problems. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether treatment with e‐beam radiation could address these problems. Samples of PLA and PLGA were manufactured and placed in layered stacks, 8.1 mm deep, before exposure to 50 kGy of e‐beam radiation from a 1.5 MeV accelerator. Gel permeation chromatography testing showed that the molecular weight of both materials was depth‐dependent following irradiation, with samples nearest to the treated surface showing a reduced molecular weight. Samples deeper than 5.4 mm were unaffected. Computer modeling of the transmission of a 1.5 MeV e‐beam in these materials corresponded well with these findings. An accelerated mass‐loss study of the treated materials found that the samples nearest the irradiated surface initiated mass loss earlier, and at later stages showed an increased percentage mass loss. It was concluded that e‐beam radiation could modify the degradation of bioabsorbable polymers to potentially improve their performance in medical devices, specifically for improved orthopedic fixation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
ISSN:1549-3296
1552-4965
1552-4981
DOI:10.1002/jbm.a.31998