Vibrational spectroscopy of polymeric biomaterials

This review highlights the potential of vibrational spectroscopy for invest igating the molecular structure of some polymeric materials used in biomedi cal applications in relation to their biocompatibility. Many types of polym ers are used for biomedical purposes; depending on the application, bioreso rbable or non-bioresorbable (semi-crystalline or amorphous) polymers are us ed. Among bioresorbable polymers, we focused on homopolymers and copolymers based on poly(lactic acid), poly(glycolic acid) and poly(epsilon -caprolac tone). Being a nondestructive technique, Raman spectroscopy proved particul arly suitable for evaluating the molecular structure and crystallinity of b ioresorbable polymers and their degradation products. For various biomedica l applications, non-degradable semi-crystalline polymers have been widely e mployed; in this class of polymers, we concentrated on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) used in orthopaedic implants (total hip and k nee joints). Vibrational spectroscopy appeared particularly suitable in stu dying the oxidation and crystallinity of UHMWPE. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wi ley & Sons, Ltd.