Polylactic Acid in Medicine

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with exceptional properties that has been studied extensively for the past 25 years. The possibility of using devices in human body with minimum inflammation and infection to allow natural healing has obliged researchers to search for biocompatible and biodegradable alternatives. Polylactic acid is one of the most promising biopolymers used in world today. Due to its organic source, it has attracted many attentions. This review presents information about the properties, monomer types, kinetics and different synthesis methods that are currently employed for production of polylactic acid as well as its biomedical and clinical applications in scaffolds, drug delivery systems, bone fixation devices such as screw and plates, surgical suture and meshes.