Poly(α-hydroxyacids) in biomedical applications: synthesis and properties of lactic acid polymers

Abstract

AbstractPoly( -hydroxy acids), especially poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and their copolymers poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) are novel class of commodity polymers, also used in biomedical applications. They can be synthesized with a controlled biodegradation rate and are biocompatible, bioresorbable and approved by US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for clinical use. Lactic acid polymers are developed in medicine (sutures, implants, orthopaedics, tissue engineering), pharmacy (controlled drug delivery systems) as well as in packaging, agriculture (mulch films, seed preservation), food applications, etc. The paper reviews recent literature data concerning lactic acid polymers synthesis (polycondensation, ring opening polymerization), physical (thermophysical, solubility, miscibility), mechanical properties, degradation behaviour, emphasizing on the poly(α -hydroxyacids) and lactic acid polymers applications in medicine and pharmacy.