Biodegradability and tissue reaction of random copolymers ofL-leucine,L-aspartic acid, andL-aspartic acid esters

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Abstract
A series of copoly(α-amino acids) with varying percentages of hydrophilic (l-aspartic acid) and hydrophobic monomers (l-leucine, β-methyl-l-aspartate, and β-benzyl-l-aspartate) were implanted subcutaneously in rats and the macroscopic degradation behavior was studied. Three groups of materials (A, B, C) with different ranges of hydrophilicity were distinguished: A) hydrophobic materials showed no degradation after 12 weeks; B) more hydrophilic materials revealed a gradual reduction in size of the samples, but were still present after 12 weeks; and C) hydrophilic copolymers disappeared within 24 hr. The tissue reactions caused by the materials of group A resembled that of silicone rubber, whereas those of group B showed a more cellular reaction.