An Overview of Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) Acid (PLGA)-Based Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) has attracted considerable interest as a base material for biomedical applications due to its: (i) biocompatibility; (ii) tailored biodegradation rate (depending on the molecular weight and copolymer ratio); (iii) approval for clinical use in humans by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); (iv) potential to modify surface properties to provide better interaction with biological materials; and (v) suitability for export to countries and cultures where implantation of animal-derived products is unpopular. This paper critically reviews the scientific challenge of manufacturing PLGA-based materials with suitable properties and shapes for specific biomedical applications, with special emphasis on bone tissue engineering. The analysis of the state of the art in the field reveals the presence of current innovative techniques for scaffolds and material manufacturing that are currently opening the way to prepare biomimetic PLGA substrates able to modulate cell interaction for improved substitution, restoration, or enhancement of bone tissue function.

Functionalizing PLGA and PLGA Derivatives for Drug Delivery and Tissue Regeneration Applications

“…[29a] In the first phase of PLGA degradation, the penetration of water into the polymeric matrix, especially through the more amorphous regions, causes the disruption of van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds, which leads to a decrease in T g . [5,17,31] T g and crystallinity also affect PLGA degradation. [34] Few authors have been focused in the study of LA crystallinity but there is some evidences that show the influence of LA crystallization in the rate of PLGA degradation.…”

“…[17] However, amorphous structures are still suitable for biomedical applications, especially for drug delivery purposes, since they are related with a more homogeneous distribution of the active compound contained into the polymeric matrix. [5] Among the different LA:GA ratios and compositions of commercial PLGA, the inherent viscosity value of this polymer may vary from 0.082 to 1 dL g −1 .…”

“…[29a] The degradation of PLGA occurs by hydrolysis of its ester linkages, through heterogeneous or bulk erosion, in aqueous environments. [5] The cleavage of each ester linkage leads to the formation of one carboxyl and one hydroxyl end groups. [29a] In the first phase of PLGA degradation, the penetration of water into the polymeric matrix, especially through the more amorphous regions, causes the disruption of van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds, which leads to a decrease in T g .…”

Cartilage and facial muscle tissue engineering and regeneration: a mini review

“…Although non-biodegradable scaffolds are considered to be optimal by some, biodegradable scaffolds are much more practical in regard to facial muscle tissue and repair due to the fact that their degradation allows for the natural muscular ECM to be almost exactly remodeled [77]. Although many polymers have been used in the creation of synthetic biodegradable 3-D scaffolds, the most useful polymer seems to be polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) [78]. This is used to make fiber mesh sheets that have been proven to provide appropriate connection and strength to withstand the different needs and loads that the scaffolds need to bear, while also allowing for progenitor cells to proliferate properly, contributing to the mimicking of the ECM and eventual formation of the tissue engineering of functional skeletal muscles [79].…”

Scaffolds in Regenerative Endodontics: A Review.

“…[53] PGA scaffold enhanced the growth of new blood vessels and the odontogenic differentiation of human fibroblasts when cultured on it [54] PLLA:-The poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) polymer is a widely used FDA-approved biodegradable polymer. [55,56] PLLA scaffold was able to produce tissue similar in architecture and cellularity to dental pulp tissue when transplanted with human dermal micro vascular endothelial cells [55] PLA (OPLA):-PLA is an aliphatic polyester, more hydrophobic than PGA [56] the synthetic open-cell PLA (OPLA) is another promising polymer for dental pulp regeneration. SHED seeded on OPLA and transplanted into cleaned, and shaped canals of human extracted teeth were able to attach to the root canal dentin.…”