Medical Application of Polylactic Acid (PLA)

-

  

Medical Application of Polylactic Acid

Introduction :-

Polylactide also know as Poly lactic acid is Polyester. Chemical formula for PLA is

(C3H4O2)n or   [-C(CH3)HC(=O)O–]n

It is synthesized from lactic acid (LA; 2-hydroxypropanoic acid), which a water-soluble monomer. Main property of PLA is its degradation by micro-organism, which make its more special. The use of such biodegradable plastic reduces the environmental impact related to the accumulation of non-biodegradable plastic wastes that are generated from its day-to-day use.

PLA has an extensive mechanical property profile and is thermoplastic with high biocompatibility and biodegradability.

PLA was discovered in the 1920s by Wallace Corothers  the scientist who invented nylon, but it never had been successfully commercialized on a large scale.

 click here to Know more about Biodegradable Plastic

Application of Polytlactic acid

These are mostly used in food packaging, transportation, and single use disposable plastic.

In many applications bio degradable plastic can replace synthetic plastic, but have some challenges.

Many biodegradable plastics are designed to degrade in industrial composting systems.

A 2009 study found that the use of biodegradable plastics was financially viable only in the context of specific regulations which limit the usage of conventional plastics

Plastic items labelled as 'biodegradable', but that only break down into smaller pieces like micro plastics, or into smaller units that are not biodegradable, are not an improvement over conventional plastic

Medical application of Polylactic acid: - 

    While PLA has modern industrial uses, including textiles and packaging, it has emerged as a pertinent material for bioengineering. Relevant medical applications may vary from tissue engineering regenerative medicine to orthopedic, cardiac, and dental uses.

The innate characteristics of PLA lend itself to rapid prototyping and efficient manufacturing in 3D printed constructs. This can be implemented to generate patient-specific tissue engineering scaffolds or rapidly manufacture medical equipment, such as the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to keep healthcare workers safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.  

·         Tissue Engineeing :-

      Oxygen enters the microcapsule through the membrane wall and is combined with hemoglobin so that that the hemoglobin is able to transport oxygen. PLA is used as membrane material.

·         Drug Delivery :-

      PLA copolymers is used to prepare PLA–PEG–PLA microspheres containing paclitaxel. The prepared microspheres were uniform in size and had a porous structure inside that promoted   drug release.

 ·        Implant :-

            With respect to biological safety and the characteristics of metabolites, polylactic acid is considered to be an advantageous material in comparison to copolymers such as polyglycolic acid and polycaprolactone.

Location: India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Plastic Blow Moulding Technique: An Overview

-
Image
  Blow Moulding is a manufacturing process used to produce hollow plastic parts by inflating a heated plastic tube until it takes the shape of a Mould cavity. This method is particularly effective for creating products with consistent wall thickness and complex shapes. Developed in the mid-20th century, blow Moulding has become an integral part of many industries, including automotive, packaging, and agriculture. In agriculture, the process has seen significant advancements and is used for making various products, such as containers for pesticides, irrigation equipment, and even large tanks. This blog will explore the blow Moulding technique, its current practices, applications in agriculture, and future perspectives.     Blow Moulding Technique: Process and Variants   The blow Moulding process involves several steps:   1.        Parison Formation: A plastic tube, called a parison, is extruded. The parison is then pl...
Read more

Ecofriendly Bioplastic Short Note

-
In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the negative impact of plastics on the environment. Traditional plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose, and they are a major contributor to pollution, litter, and waste. One solution that has gained popularity is the use of biodegradable plastics. Biodegradable plastics are made from natural materials that can break down quickly and safely in the environment. These materials include corn starch, sugarcane, and other plant-based sources. Unlike traditional plastics, which are made from petroleum, biodegradable plastics do not contain harmful chemicals that can leach into the soil or water. One of the main benefits of biodegradable plastics is that they reduce the amount of waste in the environment. Since they can break down quickly, they do not accumulate in landfills or pollute waterways. This is especially important for marine ecosystems, where plastic waste can harm marine life and disrupt the food chain. Another ben...
Read more

Current practices on injection molding in India

-
Injection moulding is a manufacturing process used to produce parts by injecting molten material into a mould. It is widely used for the mass production of plastic parts, and India has become a significant player in this field due to its growing manufacturing sector. This essay explores the current practices in injection moulding in India, covering various aspects such as industry overview, technological advancements, materials used, and challenges faced by the industry.   Industry Overview   India's injection moulding industry has experienced substantial growth over the past few decades. The increasing demand for plastic products across various sectors such as automotive, electronics, healthcare, packaging, and consumer goods has fuelled this growth. The industry's expansion is also supported by favourable government policies, foreign direct investments, and the rise of domestic manufacturers.   The Indian injection moulding market is characterized by a mi...
Read more