Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)
Term: Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)
Category: Polymer
Definition:
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is an environmentally-friendly and biodegradable polymer made by the polymerization of either lactic acid or its dimer lactide, usually made from renewable resources, including corn starch and sugar cane. The materials made from PLA have excellent mechanical properties and the ability to degrade in a controlled manner, as well as having good processing characteristics to be utilized across the spectrum of biomedical applications. When a PLA product is eventually metabolized within the human body, it is first broken down into lactic acid before it is naturally metabolized.
Source: Semi-synthetic polymer (bio-based, synthesized from naturally derived lactic acid).
Structure: Repeating ester-linked units of lactic acid (–[–O–CH(CH₃)–CO–]ₙ–)
Uses: Its biodegradation and biocompatibility make it ideal for temporary implants and controlled drug release formulations.
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