three basic formulations, non-woven fabrics, powders, and microcapsules, of local anesthetic agents, antiseptics, and antibiotics were prepared with poly-l(-)lactide as the polymer. these formulations were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, edax (energy dispersive analysis of x-rays), in vitro drug release rate, in vivo efficacy, and stability during storage. the rate of drug release from the matrix was altered by changing drug-polymer ratios, by adding detergent (s.d.s.), by size selection, and by combining fabrics with powders and microcapsules. sustained release formulations of benzocaine, bupivacaine-hcl, etidocaine-hcl, and lidocaine base, hydrochloride, and sulfate were studied. sustained release formulations of four antiseptics, benzalkonium chloride, povidone iodine (pvp-i2), nitrofurazone, and chlorhexidine diphosphanilate were studied. sustained release formulations of amplicillin (trihydrate and anhydrous) released drug over a prolonged period. clindamycin formulations released drug rapidly in all test systems. originator supplied keywords include: wound healing, antiinfectives and antibacterials, and hemostatics