In the present study, we evaluated
the degradation behavior of
poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide)
(PLGA) before and after foaming with supercritical CO2.
Initial polymer samples, shaped as tablets, and foamed samples were
immersed in a Sörensen buffer solution and maintained for 10
weeks at a constant temperature of 37 °C under mild stirring
(50 rpm). The pH of the degradation environment was monitored, and
the mass and structure modifications suffered by the samples at various
stages of the study were determined. A comparison was performed between
the in vitro behaviors of the PLGA samples before and after supercritical
fluid processing. It was observed that the PLGA foams degrade slower
than the PLGA tablets. These data are essential for evaluating the
suitability of various processing methods in the design of biodegradable
medical devices or implants with well-defined requirements regarding
their stability and mechanical properties during specific applications.
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