Electron-beam treatment of poly(lactic acid) to control degradation profiles |
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Authors: | Marie-Louise Cairns Glenn R DicksonJohn F Orr David FarrarKlaus Hawkins Fraser J Buchanan |
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Institution: | a School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5AH, UKb School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UKc Smith & Nephew Group Research Centre, York Science Park, Heslington, York YO10, UKd Isotron Ltd., Thornhill Road, South Marsten, Swindon SN3 4TA, UK |
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Abstract: | Bioresorbable polymers such as polylactide (PLA) and polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) have been used successfully as biomaterials in a wide range of medical applications. However, their slow degradation rates and propensity to lose strength before mass have caused problems. A central challenge for the development of these materials is the assurance of consistent and predictable in vivo degradation. Previous work has illustrated the potential to influence polymer degradation using electron beam (e-beam) radiation. The work addressed in this paper investigates further the utilisation of e-beam radiation in order to achieve a more surface specific effect. Variation of e-beam energy was studied as a means to control the effective penetrative depth in poly-l-lactide (PLLA). PLLA samples were exposed to e-beam radiation at individual energies of 0.5 MeV, 0.75 MeV and 1.5 MeV. The near-surface region of the PLLA samples was shown to be affected by e-beam irradiation with induced changes in molecular weight, morphology, flexural strength and degradation profile. Moreover, the depth to which the physical properties of the polymer were affected is dependent on the beam energy used. Computer modelling of the transmission of each e-beam energy level used corresponded well with these findings. |
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Keywords: | Bioresorbable Electron beam Surface modification PLA Degradation |
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