Biodegradation Studies of Rosin-Glycerol Ester Derivative

A rosin glycerol derivative was prepared by esterification of rosin with glycerol at 220-240°C in the presence of zinc as catalyst. The product was evaluated for different physicochemical properties. Films were prepared by melt molding with castor oil (20% w/w of the derivative) as an external plasticizer. The in vitro and in vivo biodegradation studies were performed on films as well as on powder. The in vitro studies were performed with microorganisms, enzymes and different buffer solutions while in vivo studies were performed on rabbits by subdermal implantation of rosin ester films. The results of all the studies showed that rosin glycerol ester undergoes biodegradation and follows surface erosion mechanism.