Degradation of and angiogenesis around multiblock copolymers containing poly(p-dioxanone)- and poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-segments subcutaneously implanted in the rat neck.

The degradation behavior and the effect on angiogenesis of multiblock copolymers based on poly(p-dioxanone)- and poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-segments (PDC) were studied in vivo. PDC is a multifunctional biomaterial combining degradability and shape-memory capabilities. The "in vivo" degradation of PDC is characterized by a fragmentation occurring at the material tissue interface. This observation is consistent with the enzyme supported degradation behaviour, which was determined "in vitro". PDC revealed to induce the formation of blood micro-vessels nearby in the periimplantary tissues. Both might explain the good PDC integration into tissues in terms of a strong connection between the implant and the periimplantary tissue. Micro blood-vessels might be involved in the clearance of the small particles, which appear in the periimplantary tissue when PDC degrades.