Bioplaster

Bioplaster is a term used for biodegradable, biocompatible plaster-like materials designed for medical use, offering an alternative to conventional plaster and non-degradable dressings. These materials are typically based on bio-derived polymers such as polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, polyglycolic acid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, alginate, or chitosan. They may be formulated as sheets, films, or pastes that can be applied to an injured area and then cured, set, or gradually degrade in the body or environment.

Composition and production methods vary, but common elements include a polymer matrix, a natural or synthetic adhesive, and additives to improve handling, moisture management, or antimicrobial properties. Some bioplasters are designed to be water-resistant yet breathable, while others are intended to dissolve or resorb over time. Manufacturing approaches can involve solvent casting, melt processing, or 3D printing, enabling customization of thickness, porosity, and conformability to body contours.

Applications of bioplaster span wound care and immobilization. In wound care, they can serve as breathable dressings that protect tissue while delivering active agents such as antiseptics or growth factors. In immobilization, bioplaster sheets or casts aim to provide temporary support for fractures with the benefit of reduced medical waste and easier disposal after use. Bioplaster materials may also find roles in burn care, pediatric applications, and postoperative dressings where conformability and skin gentleness are valued.

Advantages include environmental sustainability, reduced secondary waste, and potential for enhanced biocompatibility. Limitations involve mechanical strength under load, moisture sensitivity, sterilization requirements, and regulatory approval processes. Ongoing research concentrates on optimizing degradation rates, adhesive performance, and cost efficiency.