Biocompatibility studies of new multiblock poly(ester–ester)s composed of poly(butylene terephthalate) and dimerized fatty acid

This study was undertaken to evaluate the biocompatibility of new multiblock poly(ester–ester)s proposed as an alternative to Hunter silastic prosthesis used in a two-stage tendon reconstruction. Methanol-extracted polymeric material retained its weight, demonstrating the absence of leachable particles (e.g. low-molecular weight oligomers). Implantation tests indicated that the observed tissue changes were similar to those obtained with silicone, no evidence of contact necrosis being observed. The unchanged morphology of rat liver hepatocytes and the lack of parenchymal necrosis also indicated that exposure to the investigated polymers did not cause any cytotoxic reactions.