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

Abstract

Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) is one of the most versatile biomedical polymers, already approved by regulatory authorities to be used in human research and clinics. Due to its valuable characteristics, PLGA can be tailored to acquire desirable features for control bioactive payload or scaffold matrix. Moreover, its chemical modification with other polymers or bioconjugation with molecules may render PLGA with functional properties that make it the Holy Grail among the synthetic polymers to be applied in the biomedical field. In this review, the physical–chemical properties of PLGA, its synthesis, degradation, and conjugation with other polymers or molecules are revised in detail, as well as its applications in drug delivery and regeneration fields. A particular focus is given to successful examples of products already on the market or at the late stages of trials, reinforcing the potential of this polymer in the biomedical field.

The awareness of the physical–chemical characteristics of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid, all of its potential and pitfalls, either alone or upon conjugation/functionalization with other polymers and molecules, opens new avenues in its application in the biomedical field, especially in drug delivery and tissue regeneration.

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