PolyLactic Acid (PLA)

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer produced from renewable resources such as corn or sugarcane. This polymer is known as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. PLA has found wide application in various industries due to its unique properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and good mechanical properties.

PLA structure and production

PLA is produced from the polymerization of lactic acid. Lactic acid, in turn, is obtained from the fermentation of sugars found in plants such as glucose.

PLA properties

Biodegradability: Under suitable environmental conditions, especially in the presence of microorganisms, it has the ability to decompose into simpler substances such as water and carbon dioxide.
Biocompatibility: It is well compatible with body tissues and is used in many medical applications.
Suitable mechanical properties: It has good mechanical properties such as tensile strength, hardness and stiffness.
Transparency: PLA is transparent and therefore is used in applications that require transparency, such as packaging.
Recyclable: PLA is recyclable and can be used as a raw material to produce new products.

PLA Applications

Medical:
Pharmaceutical: Used in the manufacture of tissue engineering scaffolds, microspheres and nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery.
Surgery: Used in absorbable sutures, medical implants and wound dressings.
Medical implants: Used in the manufacture of cardiac stents and tissue engineering scaffolds.
Packaging: Manufacture of biodegradable garbage bags, food packaging films and food coatings.
Textiles: Manufacture of synthetic fibers and yarns.
3D Printing: Used as a raw material in 3D printing to manufacture various parts.