Biodegradable xylitol-based elastomers: In vivo behavior and biocompatibility

Biodegradable elastomers based on polycondensation reactions of xylitol with sebacic acid, referred to as poly(xylitol sebacate) (PXS) elastomers have recently been developed. We describe the in vivo behavior of PXS elastomers. Four PXS elastomers were synthesized, characterized, and compared with poly(L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). PXS elastomers displayed a high level of structural integrity and form stability during degradation. The in vivo half-life ranged from approximately 3 to 52 weeks. PXS elastomers exhibited increased biocompatibility compared with PLGA implants. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 95A: 92-104, 2010.