PLGA with less than 1 month of half-life time: Tensile properties in dry and wet states and hydrolytic degradation

ABSTRACTIn this study, the degradation mechanism and tensile properties of plasticized poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) are evaluated. Purasorb PDLG 5010 is first extruded into rods with or without plasticizers, i.e, D,L-lactide or aspirin. Then, the hydrolytic degradation of such rods is studied in phosphate buffer solution. A very fast hydrolytic degradation (half-life time lower than 1 month) that is enhanced by the presence of plasticizer occurs through a heterogeneous mechanism and leads to the formation of hollow rods. The mechanical properties of these rods are studied in dry and wet states. Finally, water diffusivity in plasticized (or not) PLGA is estimated.