Mass spectrometry in bioresorbable polymer development, degradation and drug-release tracking.

A detailed characterization of polymeric matrices and appropriate degradation monitoring techniques are required to sustain the development of new materials as well as to enlarge the applications of the old ones. In fact, polymer analysis is essential for the clarification of the intrinsic relationship between structure and properties that ascertains the industrial applications in diverse fields. In bioresorbable and biodegradable polymers, the role of analytical methods is dual since it is pointed both at the polymeric matrices and at degradation tracking.

Photo-Oxidative and Soil Burial Degradation of Irrigation Tubes Based on Biodegradable Polymer Blends.

Irrigation tubes based on biodegradable polymers were prepared via an extrusion-drawing process by Irritec and compared to conventional pipes made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). A commercial polylactide/poly (butyleneadipate--butyleneterephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blend (Bio-Flex) and Mater-Bi were used. The polymers were characterized from rheological and mechanical points of view.