ABSTRACT
This chapter lists out major artificial and biopolymer-derived degradable polymers in relation to in vivo applications or potential applications. Basically any degradable or biodegradable polymer has a potential to be exploited in time-limited therapeutic systems. In translational research, degradation is not sufficient and many other requisites are to be taken into account since clinical and commercial developments are final targets. Among aliphatic polyesters, polymers, copolymers, and stereocopolymers derived from lactic and/or glycolic acids are the most studied and are the more versatile by far. They offer large possibilities to adjust mechanical properties and degradability. Amorphous ones that have larger free volume available are better suited for sustained drug delivery. Lifetimes can be adjusted by stereocopolymerization and by copolymerization as well, especially with glycolide. It is important to note that lactic acid-based polyesters have mechanical characteristics of the same order of magnitude provided they are in dry and glassy state.
