Poly(α-hydroxy acid) based polymers: A review on material and degradation aspects

At present, a significant research activity is being undertaken to develop biologically compatible and degradable scaffolds for various biomedical applications. An ideal scaffolding material would act as a temporary replacement for the tissue that is lost or damaged while promoting its healing/regeneration. Amongst diverse group of materials, polymers are the most widely investigated for various applications. The popularity of polymers is attributed to the ability to control their properties by preparing scaffolds with varying porosity, geometry, surface area, mechanical and surface characteristics. Today, polymer based materials are an integral part of numerous applications such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, etc. No single material is suitable for all these applications each with explicit requisites. Hence, selection of biomaterials should be based on how far the scaffolding materials meet the requisite properties of the intended application. Polymers based on lactic and glycolic acids are extensively used biodegradable materials with long history of use in a variety of applications. The present review aims to provide an insight into biodegradable polymers based on lactic and glycolic acids, their biodegradation principles and behavior along with various problems encountered during their use and various methods used to overcome the shortcomings of these materials. [Display omitted] •Polymers based on lactic and glycolic acids are extensively used in biomedical applications.•Acidic microclimate during their degradation raises biological concerns.•Blending basic inorganic additives negates adverse effects of acidic microclimate.