The present invention provides bioactive
polymer compositions that can be formulated to release a
wound healing agent at a controlled rate by adjusting the various components of the composition. The composition can be used in an external
wound dressing, as a
polymer implant for delivery of the
wound healing agent to an internal body site, or as a
coating on the surface of an implantable
surgical device to deliver
wound healing agents that are covalently attached to a biocompatible,
biodegradable polymer and / or embedded within a hydrogel. Methods of using the invention bioactive
polymer compositions to promote natural healing of wounds, especially chronic wounds, are also provided. Examples of biodegradable
copolymer polyesters useful in forming the blood-compatible, hydrophilic layer or
coating include
copolyester amides,
copolyester urethanes, glycolide-
lactide copolymers, glycolide-
caprolactone copolymers, poly-3-hydroxy
butyrate-
valerate copolymers, and copolymers of the cyclic diester
monomer, 3-(S)[(alkyloxycarbonyl)methyl]-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione, with L-
lactide. The glycolide-
lactide copolymers include poly(glycolide-L-lactide) copolymers formed utilizing a
monomer mole ratio of
glycolic acid to L-
lactic acid ranging from 5:95 to 95:5 and preferably a
monomer mole ratio of
glycolic acid to L-
lactic acid ranging from 45:65 to 95:5. The glycolide-
caprolactone copolymers include glycolide and ε-
caprolactone block
copolymer, e.g., Monocryl or Poliglecaprone.