PLGA (Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid))

Biodegradable copolyester that hydrolyzes in the body into lactic and glycolic acid.

Core Principles & Analysis

• Its degradation time is tuned from weeks to months by the lactide-to-glycolide ratio, with the 50:50 copolymer breaking down fastest.
• PLGA has been used clinically since the resorbable sutures of the 1970s and now forms long-acting drug depots such as Lupron microspheres.
• It degrades by bulk hydrolysis into lactic and glycolic acid, metabolites the body clears as carbon dioxide and water.

Specifications & Metrics

• DENSITY: 1.30 g/cm³
• YIELD STRENGTH: 45 MPa
• HARDNESS: N/A