Absorbable polymers are materials that can break down in the body over time. They are often used in medical applications, such as sutures and drug delivery systems, because they can safely dissolve and be absorbed by the body without causing harm. This property makes them useful for temporary support in healing tissues. These polymers are designed to degrade through natural processes, such as hydrolysis or enzymatic action. Common examples include polylactic acid (PLA) and polyglycolic acid (PGA), which are frequently used in biomedical engineering to create devices that do not require surgical removal after their purpose is fulfilled.