polylacticcoglycolic

Polylactic-co-glycolic acid, also known as PLGA, is a biodegradable, biocompatible copolymer composed of lactic acid and glycolic acid units. It is produced by ring-opening copolymerization of lactide and glycolide, yielding a polymer that hydrolyzes in the body into lactic acid and glycolic acid, both of which are naturally metabolized.

The properties of PLGA are governed by the lactic-to-glycolic acid ratio and the polymer’s molecular weight. Ratios such as 50:50 typically degrade more rapidly than higher lactic or glycolic contents, while higher molecular weight generally increases mechanical strength and slows degradation. PLGA is usually amorphous, and its degradation is accelerated by hydrolysis and autocatalysis from the acidic byproducts.

Common applications include controlled-release drug delivery systems, where PLGA encases therapeutic agents in nanoparticles, microparticles, or implants to extend release. It also serves in tissue engineering scaffolds, wound dressings, and resorbable sutures. The ability to tailor degradation time from weeks to months makes PLGA suitable for various medical and pharmaceutical uses.

Regulatory and practical considerations include its widespread FDA approval for multiple devices and formulations, along with robust biocompatibility data. Challenges involve managing the acidic microenvironment created during degradation, ensuring stability of the therapeutic cargo, and addressing sterilization and solvent residues. Processing methods and formulation parameters are chosen to balance release kinetics, mechanical properties, and safety.