BIODEGRADATION OF NONPOROUS FILMS AFTER SUBMUCOPERIOSTEAL IMPLANTATION ON THE PALATE OF BEAGLE DOGS

The aim of this study is to investigate the in vivo behaviour of five different biodegradable films after submucoperiosteal implantation on the palate of Beagle dogs. Non-porous films of poly-(L-lactic) acid (= PLLA), high molecular weight poly-(L-lactic) acid ( = HMW-PLLA), poly -(DL-lactic) acid (= PDLLA), poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (= PCL) and a copolymer of poly hydroxybutyrate 80%-hydroxyvalerate 20% (= PH B-co-H V 80/20) were implanted submucoperiostally on the palate of Beagle dog s. After 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks in situ, the structure of the films and the tissue reactions were studied histologically. In terms of mechanic al properties a nd tissue response, the PH B-co-HV film is the most su itable for use on dogs.