Enzymic hydrolysis of polylactic acid

Several enzymes are shown to influence the degradation of poly-l-lactic acid. The generation of degradation products was monitored by thin layer chromatography. This polymer normally hydrolyzes in aqueous media but does so much faster in the presence of certain enzymes. Under the conditions employed, pronase, proteinase K and bromelain all had significant effects, with a smaller response to ficin, esterase and trypsin and entirely negative results with lactate dehydrogenase. It is noted that polylactic acid is both similar to polyglycolic acid and has been used surgically.