Promising Role of Polylactic Acid as an Ingenious Biomaterial in Scaffolds, Drug Delivery, Tissue Engineering, and Medical Implants: Research Developments, and Prospective Applications

Molecules. 2023 Jan 4;28(2):485. doi: 10.3390/molecules28020485.

Abstract

In the present scenario, the research is now being focused on the naturally occurring polymers that can gradually replace the existing synthetic polymers for the development of bio composites having applications in medical surgeries and human implants. With promising mechanical properties and bio compatibility with human tissues, poly lactic acid (PLA) is now being viewed as a future bio material. In order to examine the applicability of PLA in human implants, the current article sheds light on the synthesis of PLA and its various copolymers used to alter its physical and mechanical properties. In the latter half, various processes used for the fabrication of biomaterials are discussed in detail. Finally, biomaterials that are currently in use in the field of biomedical (Scaffolding, drug delivery, tissue engineering, medical implants, derma, cosmetics, medical surgeries, and human implants) are represented with respective advantages in the sphere of biomaterials.

Keywords: biomaterial; drug delivery; human implant; implantation; poly lactic acid; tissue engineering.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials*
  • Humans
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • Tissue Engineering*
  • Tissue Scaffolds

Substances

  • poly(lactide)
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.