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Fabrication and Characterization of PLA-PGA Orthopedic Implants
C M Agrawal1, G G Niederauer, K A Athanasiou
1Department of Orthopedics, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78284-7774.
Tissue Engineering
|November 3, 2009
Summary
This review covers fabrication and properties of polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polylactic acid (PLA) copolymers. These biodegradable polymers are suitable for medical devices due to their physiological processing and excretion.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polylactic acid (PLA) are aliphatic polyesters.
- They belong to the alpha-hydroxy acid group.
- These polymers biodegrade into monomeric acids in vivo.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review fabrication methods for PGA, PLA, and their copolymers.
- To characterize the properties of these biodegradable polymers.
- To describe fabrication techniques for medical devices using PLA-PGA materials.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of fabrication techniques.
- Analysis of property characterization data.
- Description of common manufacturing processes for medical applications.
Main Results:
- PGA and PLA are suitable for medical devices.
- Biodegradation yields readily excretable monomeric acids.
- Key properties include molecular weight, crystallinity, mechanical behavior, permeability, and thermal transitions.
Conclusions:
- PGA, PLA, and their copolymers offer versatile options for medical device fabrication.
- Understanding their properties is crucial for successful device design.
- Biodegradability and biocompatibility are key advantages for biomedical applications.
