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Classic plastics accumulate in nature causing environmental pollution, yet as a counterbalance they benefit society in many ways. They are versatile, cost‐effective, and can be tailored to have desired properties. The global environment has led to the fabrication of commodity plastics from environmentally degradable polymers. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is the most promising among the environmentally friendly polymers available. PLA‐based plastics have mechanical, thermal, and transparency similar to traditional plastics, and they can be molded and fabricated using the same equipment and procedures. Their material properties are enhanced through nanocomposites, compatibilizers, plasticizers, and other fillers (flame retardant, ultraviolet filter, etc.). This review summarizes mass production techniques and property reinforcements (focusing on nanocomposites and plasticizers) for PLA‐based plastics for commodity use. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Aim: To explore the potential of paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded anacardic acid conjugated hydrophobized gelatin nanoparticles. Materials & methods: Nanoparticles prepared by nanoprecipitation technique were evaluated for various quality attributes (particle size, % entrapment efficiency) in vitro drug release, MCF-7 cell uptake, cell cytotoxicity, in vivo pharmacokinetics, antitumor efficacy and toxicity. Results: The nanoparticles (250–300 nm, 74% entrapment efficiency) showed approximately 2.26-fold higher apoptosis index and approximately 5.86-fold reduction in IC50 value compared with PTX in MCF-7 cells. Also, approximately 3.51- and 1.36-fold increase in area under the curve compared with Intaxel® and Nanoxel™ (both from Fresenius Kabi, Gurugram, India) was achieved. Significant tumor burden reduction (∼60%) and reduced toxicity was observed compared with marketed formulations. Conclusion: The hydrophobized gelatin nanoparticles displayed promising therapeutic potential, paving a new path for efficient PTX delivery.