Polylactic Acid: Synthesis, Properties and Applications

Polylactic acid (PLA) is at present one of the most promising biodegradable polymers (biopolymers) and has been the subject of abundant literature over the last decade. PLA can be processed with a large number of techniques and is commercially available (large-scale production) in a wide range of grades. It is relatively cheap and has some remarkable properties, which make it suitable for different applications. This chapter deals with the different syntheses to produce this biopolymer, its diverse properties and various applications. Its biodegradability is adapted to short-term packaging, and its biocompatibility in contact with living tissues is exploited for biomedical applications (implants, sutures, and drug encapsulation).