A Review of the Application of Poly (Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) Copolymers in Bone Tissue Regenerative Medicine

Alireza  Davaripour; Mohsen  Shahrousvand; Jamshid  Mohammadi-Rovshandeh; Seyed Mohammad  Davachi

doi:10.18502/ssu.v33i3.18836

Alireza Davaripour Caspian Faculty of Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 43841-119, Guilan, Rezvanshar, Iran.
Mohsen Shahrousvand Caspian Faculty of Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 43841-119, Guilan, Rezvanshar, Iran.
Jamshid Mohammadi-Rovshandeh Caspian Faculty of Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 43841-119, Guilan, Rezvanshar, Iran.
Seyed Mohammad Davachi Department of Biology and Chemistry, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX, 78041, United States.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ssu.v33i3.18836

Keywords: Bone, Tissue Engineering, Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), Scaffold

Abstract

Introduction: Bone tissue has the inherent ability to regenerate and repair, responding effectively to injuries such as fractures or minor traumas. However, in cases where the damage is extensive or there is no possibility of spontaneous repair, the need for more advanced methods becomes necessary. Bone tissue engineering is proposed as a new approach for repairing damaged bones and includes material science, biomechanics, immunology, and biology. The components of this field include cells, scaffolds, and active biomolecules. Scaffolds are usually made of polymers and composites, and selecting the best biomaterials for bone regeneration is still debatable. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) is widely utilized in bone tissue engineering because of its tunable biocompatibility and biodegradability. This research reviewed the latest developments in the creation of bone regeneration materials based on Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) and analyzed their applications in nanofibrous scaffolds, 3D printing, nanoparticles, and hydrogels. These substances can accelerate the regeneration process by stimulating the growth of bone cells and improving the quality of life of patients with bone injuries.

Conclusion: Thanks to the combination of varying amounts of lactic acid and glycolic acid, this polymer provides a range of mechanical properties and can be designed to have a degradation period in the body that varies from several weeks to several years. These properties enable researchers to create tissue regeneration scaffolds that gradually break down and make space for new tissue. Consequently, Poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) is recognized as an essential substance in tissue engineering and promoting bone cell growth, thus supporting regenerative mechanisms in medicine.