PRESENT AND FUTURE OF PLA POLYMERS

Lactic acid-based aliphatic polyesters (PLAs) are well known biocompat ible bioresorbable polymers which are being increasingly used as bioma terials for temporary therapeutic applications. Because of their sensi tivity to water and the formation of degradation by-products which can be easily metabolized by microorganisms, this type of polymers also h as potential to replace commodity polymers in packagings or as mulch f ilms. From an overview of synthesis routes, structural characteristics , and performances, an attempt is made to evaluate the future of PLA p olymers insofar as industrial development is concerned.