Influence of Enzymatic Degradation on Physical Properties of Poly(<i>ε</i>‐caprolactone) Films and Sponges

Abstract

Abstract The effect of enzymatic degradation on poly( ε ‐caprolactone) (PCL) films and sponges was investigated at 37 °C using Pseudomonas lipase. Film samples were prepared by the solution casting method, while sponges were obtained by the freeze extraction method. The porosity was 17 and 60% respectively. Weight loss, morphology, crystallinity and mechanical properties were studied. The kinetic study on the enzymatic degradation of PCL porous samples depends on porosity, suggesting that degradation took place on the surface, not suffering bulk degradation. The non‐dependence on crystallinity indicates that degradation occurred in both phases, amorphous and crystalline, at the same time.