| Description |
Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a semi crystalline hydrophobic biodegradable polyester which finds major applications as a drug delivery agent because of its cost efficiency, high toughness and biocompatibility.
PCL possesses some unique properties such as:
It degrades slower than other biodegradable polyesters in physiological condition, this property can be exploited in the controlled release of drugs in target tissues over a period of time.
Its poor surface wetting and interaction with biological fluids on account of its hydrophobicity leads to poor cell adhesion and proliferation, hence it is blended with other synthetic /natural polymers. |
| Application |
PCL loaded with antibiotics may be used to treat infections of the respiratory tract, like tuberculosis.
Investigations were carried out based upon phenotypic responses of human bone marrow mesenchymal cells (hBMSCs) for different ratio of chitosan/ polycaprolactone (PCL) blends.
PCL/biomedical ceramic materials have been studied for possible osteo tissue regeneration.
Action of PCL/graded insulin/beta-5 glycerophosphate concentrations on osteochondral tissue formation through adipose-derived stromal cell differentiation.
Other general uses include:extrusion aid, die lubricant, mold release, pigment and filler dispersion aid and polyester segments in urethanes and block polyesters. |
| Features And Benefits |
Non-toxic, biodegradable in soil, broad miscibility, mechanical compatibility with many polymers and good adhesion to a broad spectrum of substrates. |
