Poly Lactic Glycolic Acid (PLGA) As Biodegradable Polymer

Poly Lactic Glycolic Acid (PLGA) is a synthetic copolymer of lactic acid and glycolic acid. Lactic acid contains an asymmetric carbon atom, and therefore has two optical isomers: l(+) lactic acid and d(−) lactic acid. Lactic acid is present in nature as either an intermediate or an end product in carbohydrate metabolism. Glycolic acid occurs in nature to a limited extent. PLGA can be synthesized by direct poly condensation of lactic acid and glycolic acid. However, the most efficient route to obtain high-molecular weight copolymers is the ring opening polymerization of lactide and glycolide. PLGA degrades in-vivo to various innocuous products which are eliminated from the body through the Krebs cycle, primarily as carbon dioxide and water in urine. Since it offers great advantages of biocompatibility and biodegrability with adjustable properties and capable of being processed to form a variety of objects, PLGA finds extensive biomedical applications, such as sutures, implantable devices, and drug delivery systems. Recently, it has initiated to use as novel material as base material for sustained-release formulation. It is also advantageous as a carrier for imaging contrast agents. Preparation of PLGA scaffolds is one of important benchmark for tissue engineering applications and research is going on.