ASTM F3384-21 - Standard Specification for Polydioxanone Polymer Resins for Surgical Implants

1.1 This specification covers virgin polydioxanone homopolymer resins intended for use in surgical implants.

1.2 Polydioxanone is commonly abbreviated as PDO, and is alternatively referred to as poly(para dioxanone) or poly(ρ-dioxanone) with the acronym PPD. Additionally, it may be referred to as PDS as it is the polymer of composition of PDS suture (Ethicon, Inc.), representing an early and widely used application of polydioxanone polymer.

1.3 This specification covers virgin polydioxanone resins able to be fully solvated at 30 °C by fluorinated solvents such as hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) or hexafluoroacetone (HFA).

1.4 Homopolymers of this composition are known to be semi-crystalline. Within this specification, semi-crystallinity within the resin is defined by the presence of a DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) crystalline endotherm peak upon annealing between 105 and 115 °C. While the presence of a crystalline endotherm indicates semi-crystallinity, the percentage and morphology of the crystalline phase are highly dependent on processing, and in particular on the thermal history of the material. Therefore, the thermal properties and percent crystallinity of the virgin polymer resin (with exception of melting temperature) are not necessarily indicative of final product quality.

1.5 This specification addresses material characteristics of the virgin polydioxanone-based resins intended for use in surgical implants and does not apply to packaged and sterilized finished implants fabricated from these materials, nor does it address the characteristics of polydioxanone resins with compounded materials such as dyes, polymeric or ceramic compounds, or any other additives.

1.6 As with any material, some characteristics may be altered by processing techniques (such as molding, extrusion, machining, assembly, sterilization, and so forth) required for the production of a specific part or device. Therefore, properties of fabricated forms of this resin should be evaluated independently using appropriate test methods to ensure safety and efficacy.

1.7 Biocompatibility testing is not a requirement since this specification is not intended to cover fabricated devices. While biocompatibility testing of resin may provide an early indication of potential safety, biocompatibility analysis of the final finished device is required to determine safety and suitability for any implant device. Refer to Supplementary Requirement S1 of this standard and Guide F2902 for relevant biocompatibility information.

1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.