取自 European Cell and Materials 16(2008)80-91

A biodegradable material can be defined as a material that breaks down in vivo, but with no proof of its elimination from the body (Vert M, Li MS, Spenlehauer G, Guerin P (1992) Bioresorbability and biocompatibility of aliphatic polyesters. J Mater Sci 3: 432-446.). For example, biodegradable polymeric systems or devices can be attacked by a biological environment so that the integrity of the material is affected and produces degradation fragments. A material shows preferential surface erosion or bulk erosion depending of its intrinsic properties (water diffusion and degradation rate) and its size (Von Burkersroda F, Schedl L, Gopferich A (2002) Why degradable polymers undergo surface erosion or bulk erosion. Biomaterials 23: 4221-4231.). Such fragments can be carried away from their site of implantation but not necessarily from the body.

A material is called bioresorbable when it shows degradation and further resorption in vivo. Thus, resorbable polymer by-products are eliminated through natural pathways either because of simple filtration or after their metabolization. Bioresorption is then a concept that reflects total elimination of the initial foreign material and any by-products (low molecular weight compounds). Thus, a biodegradable polymer is not necessarily bioresorbable. Finally, a material is bioabsorbable if it can dissolve in body fluids without any molecular degradation. The material is then excreted.