A review on polylactic acid‐based blends/composites and the role of compatibilizers in biomedical engineering applications

Abstract

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most promising biopolymers extensively used in food, packaging, medical and pharmaceutical industries. It is due to favorable physicochemical properties, in‐situ hydrolytic degradation and well‐established processing parameters. However, in medical engineering applications, PLA shows some drawbacks like low cell adhesion, biological inertness, slow degradation rate and high acid inflammation. These shortcomings of pure PLA could be addressed by blending it with other bioresorbable materials and compatibilizers. This review provides comprehensive information on different PLA composites in the field of tissue engineering, implants, injury management and drug delivery systems. The PLA‐based composites are divided into four parts: PLA/polymer, PLA/metal, PLA/ceramic, and PLA/nanoparticles. It also investigates various synthesis process, role of different compatibilizers, in vitro studies and their in vivo applications.Highlights Review the trends of bioresorbable PLA blends/composites. Extensively focused on PLA blend with polymer, metal, ceramic, and nanoparticles. Role of reinforcement and compatibilizer to overcome shortcomings of PLA implant. Highlights advantages, limitations, and properties of different types of PLA implants. Discuss various clinical applications and future of PLA blends/composite scaffolds.