Patent ID: 6107453
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: C08J

Abstract:
A process for the surface treatment of biocompatible and bioabsorbable aliphatic polyesters selected from a group consisting of homo and copolymers derived from L-lactide, D-lactide, D,L -lactide, racemic D,L-lactide, meso D,L-lactide, .epsilon.-caprolactone, glycolide, .delta.-valerolactone, p-dioxanone, copolymers of L-lactide, D-lactide, racemic D,L-lactide, meso D,L-lactide with .epsilon.-caprolactone used for the production of a biomedical product, comprising carrying out an acid or base hydrolysis at temperatures between about 0.degree. C. and the softening temperature of the material and/or a treatment by cold plasma, said surface treatment increasing the surface hydrophilicity and lowering the wetting angle, as measured with water at about 23.degree. C. in air, and limiting the reduction in the mechanical properties of the product; and wherein said hydrolysis treatment is conducted in the presence of an aqueous solution of a base.