Polyglycolat

Polyglycolat, often abbreviated as PGA, is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer. It is a polyester formed from the polymerization of glycolic acid. PGA is a crystalline, non-toxic material that degrades in aqueous environments through hydrolysis. The rate of degradation can be controlled by factors such as molecular weight, crystallinity, and the presence of other additives.

The primary applications of polyglycolat are in the biomedical field. Its ability to degrade safely within the body makes it ideal for use in absorbable sutures, surgical meshes, and drug delivery systems. Once implanted, PGA gradually breaks down into glycolic acid, which is then metabolized by the body. This eliminates the need for surgical removal of the implant.

Beyond medical uses, research is ongoing into other potential applications for PGA, including its use in biodegradable packaging and as a component in tissue engineering scaffolds. Its environmental friendliness, due to its biodegradability, is a significant driver for exploring these broader applications. The synthesis of PGA typically involves the ring-opening polymerization of glycolide, a cyclic dimer of glycolic acid.