Synthesis and production of Poly (L-lactic acid-co-D,L-lactic acid) implant materials

• Grant number: 04/02534-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: September 01, 2004
• End date: April 30, 2008
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duek
• Grantee: Eliana Aparecida de Rezende Duek
• Company: Engimplan Engenharia de Implante Indústria e Comércio Ltda. - EPP
• City: Rio Claro

Abstract

Since 1960, studies have been carried out to assess the feasibility of various bioabsorbable polymers for use in surgical implants. The studies indicate principally homopolymers and copolymers such as, poly (L-lactic acid), PLLA, poly(glycolic acid) PGA, polycaprolactone, PCL, poly(p-dioxanone), PDS. The results obtained facilitated the introduction of various absorbable devices on the market, the first of which was sutures. Later, advances permitted the commercialization of polymers with sufficient resistance for orthopedic applications. Nowadays, the greatest interest is focused on the synthesis of the copolymer of L-lactic acid and of D,L lactic acid, generating a completely amorphous and more flexible polymer which can be shaped by means of a hot bath at the time of the implant, according to the patient’s anatomy. The aim of this project is to synthesize the copolymer PL-DLA, poly(L-lactic acid-co- D,L-lactic acid). In order to do this, phase 1 of the project involves two stages. The first involves the synthesis and characterization of the copolymer; and the second stage involves pilot tests of processing the polymer in the form of sheets and screws. Since the devices existing on the market today are imported, which restricts their consumption, it is hoped with this development to extend the use of surgical implants to broader layers of the population. (AU)