Some atomic spectrometric determinations of metals in aliphatic polyester and polycarbonate biomedical polymers

Contents of Al, Zn, Sn and Cr have been investigated in several aliphatic polyesters and polycarbonates obtained in ring opening polymerization and copolymerization of heterocyclic monomers in the presence of coordination catalytic systems with these metals. The metals were reliably determined using spectroscopic atomic techniques: flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Commercial materials like NatureWorks polylactide, poly(propylene carbonate) and medical sutures (e.g. Dexon, Vicryl) were also tested. The results are discussed in terms of applicable catalytic systems for the syntheses of biodegradable polymers, which are sufficient to reach metal concentrations specified in European Pharmacopoeia.