ABSTRACT
Degradable polymers are well suited for use as temporary aids in wound healing, in tissue replacement, and for use as a drug delivery matrix. Because the material is gradually absorbed by the body, surgical removal of the implant is not needed. Depending on the site and purpose of the implantation, the material must possess different properties, from hard, stiff materials for replacing bone to soft, flexible materials for replacing soft tissues. Other criteria include variations in hydrophilicity to match drugs that are to be incorporated.
