Biodegradable and injectable monomer diethylene glycol acrylate (DGA) and d
iethylene glycol acrylate-n-vinyl pyrrolidone (DGA-VP) blends have been pre
pared and evaluated their suitability for bone cement applications. Studies
on the setting of the monomer DGA and the blend DGA-VP have been carried o
ut using a free radical initiator. Lower setting time is observed with the
monomer in comparison with that of the blend. The degradation of cured PDGA
and P(DGA-VP) polymeric materials has been evaluated in simulated physiolo
gical fluids. Studies on degradation in hydrolytic and oxidative media reve
al faster degradation during initial period of aging followed by slower and
steady state degradation. br vitro degradation studies show more hydrolyti
c degradation in PDGA while both hydrolytic and oxidative degradation in P(
DGA-VP) in comparison to that of PDGA. Also, the biocompatible comonomer (V
P) enhances biodegradation of aliphatic polyester PDGA.