Polyhydroxyalkanonate derivatives in current clinical applications and trials

Polyhydroxyalkanonate is a typical biodegradable material, which is permitted for use in the medical and pharmaceutical fields. For its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and toxicological safety, the majority of products practically used are composed of homo-polymers of poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid), and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and their co-polymers. On the market, suture strings are still the main usage. The needs of biodegradable materials have been being gradually increased by the development of drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Some types of formulation, that is, mono-fibers, twisted fibers, films, fabrics, sponges, and injectable particles are developed to match each purpose. This article reviews the current clinical applications and trials of polyhydroxyalcanonate products. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.