What is the Difference Between PLA and PLGA?

PLA (polylactic acid) and PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid) are both biodegradable polymers used in various applications, including medical and drug delivery systems. The main differences between PLA and PLGA are:

1. Synthesis: PLA is synthesized via the condensation reaction of lactic acid, while PLGA is synthesized via the copolymerization of glycolic acid and lactic acid.
2. Monomer: PLA is made from a single monomer, lactic acid, whereas PLGA is made from two monomers, glycolic acid and lactic acid.
3. Hydrophobicity: The hydrophobic side chain (methyl groups) of PLA renders the polymer with lower water uptake properties and slower degradation compared to PLGA.
4. Drug Release: The drug release from PLGA would be much faster than that from PLA due to the difference in degradation rates.
5. Mechanical Properties: PLA has a higher mechanical strength compared to PLGA, which can be attributed to the absence of side chains in glycolic acid in PLGA, leading to enhanced chain packing and faster degradation.
6. Enantiomeric Forms: PLA has two enantiomeric forms, poly D-lactic acid (PDLA) and poly L-lactic acid (PLLA), while PLGA is a copolymer of D,L-lactic acid with glycolic acid.

In summary, PLA and PLGA are both biodegradable polymers with different synthesis methods, monomer compositions, hydrophobicities, drug release rates, mechanical properties, and enantiomeric forms. These differences make them suitable for different applications, particularly in the biomedical field.

Comparative Table: PLA vs PLGA

PLA (polylactic acid) and PLGA (polylactic-co-glycolic acid) are both biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic polymers. They are used in various applications, including 3D printing and biomedical devices. Here is a table comparing their differences:

PLA is known for its high strength and stiffness, making it suitable for applications like 3D printing and medical implants. On the other hand, PLGA is used in drug delivery systems and biodegradable sutures due to its faster degradation rate. While both materials are biocompatible and biodegradable, their specific properties make them more suitable for different applications.