Polylactic acid

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer widely used as a carrier for drug delivery systems and a structural material for tissue engineering and medical implants. Polylactic acid acts as a controlled release matrix through the hydrolysis mechanism of ester bonds, gradually releasing the encapsulated drug and metabolizing to non-toxic lactic acid. Polylactic acid has adjustable degradation rate, mechanical properties and the ability to composite with other polymers, and can be used in local or systemic drug delivery, orthopedic fixation devices and 3D printed bone regeneration scaffolds[1][2].