HIGH-MOLECULAR-WEIGHT COPOLYMERS OF L-LACTIDE AND EPSILON-CAPROLACTONE AS BIODEGRADABLE ELASTOMERIC IMPLANT MATERIALS

High molecular weight copolymers of L-lactide and epsilon-caprolactone have been synthesized by ring opening copolymerization with stannous octoate as catalyst. The good mechanical properties of the 50/50 copolymers make it a suitable material for biomedical applications such as nerve guides etc., where degradation of the elastomeric implant is required. In contrast to the frequently used MDI containing polyurethanes, degradation products of the P(LLA-epsilon-CL) are non toxic. The use of such a material is therefore preferable.