Table 5.
Common Synthetic Polymers Used for Adipose Tissue Engineering
| Synthetic polymer | Strengths | Weaknesses | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poly(lactic acid) | Supports adipogenesis in vitro and in vivo | Degrade in vivo after 12 weeks | 42,43 |
| Poly(glycolic acid) | Supports adipogenesis in vitro and in vivo | Degrade in vivo after 4 weeks | 36,40,45,55,56 |
| Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) | Supports adipogenesis; induces vascularization in vivo | Long-term adipose tissue engineering studies have not been performed in vitro or in vivo | 41,49,53,58–62,64,65 |
| Poly(ethylene glycol) | Supports adipogenesis; maintains shape after in vivo culture | In vivo degradation rate not well characterized | 39,66 |
| Fluoropolymers | Maintains shape | Nondegradable; unfavorable surface for cell adhesion | 130 |
| Silicones | Biocompatible | Nondegradable | 69 |