Method of and items comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate for reducing latex exposure

摘要

The invention relates to non-latex allergenic items adapted for contact in particular with a human mucous membrane. These items comprise a biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate copolymer comprising two randomly repeating monomer units. The first randomly repeating monomer unit has the structure :wherein R₁ is H or C_1-2 alkyl, and n is 1 or 2. The second randomly repeating monomer unit has the structure :wherein R₂ is a C_3-19 alkyl or a C_3-19 alkenyl. At least 50% of the randomly repeating monomer units have the structure of the first randomly repeating monomer unit.