PGs

PGS is an acronym that can refer to several distinct concepts in science and medicine. Two common meanings are Preimplantation Genetic Screening in reproductive technology and poly(glycerol sebacate), a biodegradable polymer used in tissue engineering.

Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS), also called preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A), is a technique used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization to assess embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before transfer. Cells are typically biopsied from the developing embryo at the blastocyst stage and analyzed by methods such as array comparative genomic hybridization, single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, or next-generation sequencing to determine chromosome copy numbers. The aim is to identify euploid embryos for transfer, potentially improving implantation rates and reducing miscarriage in selected patients. However, the clinical benefit of routine PGS/PGT-A remains debated, with issues such as embryonic mosaicism, diagnostic accuracy, cost, and patient-specific factors influencing outcomes. Guidelines vary by region and clinical circumstance, and testing is usually offered as an option rather than a standard practice for all IVF patients.

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) refers to a biodegradable elastomeric polymer used in tissue engineering and biomedical devices. It is typically synthesized by the polycondensation of glycerol with sebacic acid and subsequently crosslinked to form a flexible hydrolyzable network. PGS combines biocompatibility with tunable degradation rates and mechanical properties, making it suitable for soft-tissue scaffolds, vascular grafts, nerve guides, and microfabricated devices. Its processing can include solvent casting, molding, and electrospinning, depending on the intended application.

Other uses of the acronym exist in various fields but are less common.