Table 4.
Degradable polymers | Representative investigators | Publication year | Advantages | Defects |
---|---|---|---|---|
PLGA | James et al115 | 2011 | Controllable degradation rate; technologically mature | Biologically inert; acidic degradation by-products |
PGA | Lin et al116 | 1999 | Technologically mature | Ready degradation; insufficient mechanical strength; hydrophobicity; adverse degradation product |
PLLA | Lu et al117 | 2005 | Slow degradation rate; better cell affinity; technologically mature | Hydrophobicity; adverse degradation product |
PGA = poly(glycolic acid); PLGA = poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid); PLLA = poly(l-lactic acid).