Applications of Polyhydroxyalkanoates in the Medical Industry - Pages 53-60

Christopher J. Brigham1 and Anthony J. Sinskey1,2,3

1Department of Biology; 2Health Sciences Technology Division; 3Engineering Systems Division, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

Abstract: The bio-based, biodegradable family of polymers, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), is an attractive candidate for an environmentally friendly replacement of petroleum-based plastics in many applications. In the past decade, many groups have examined the biodegradability and biocompatibility of PHA in cell culture systems or in an animal host. Findings suggest that PHA is a suitable material for fabrication of resorbable medical devices, such as sutures, meshes, implants, and tissue engineering scaffolds. The degradation kinetics of some PHA polymers is also suggestive of drug release applications. In this review, we examine the progress, potential applications, challenges and outlook in the medical polyhydroxyalkanoate field. 

Keywords: PHA, biopolymer, biodegradable, biocompatible, implant, drug release, medical device.