Stereocomplex Polylactide for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications: A Review

Molecules

Youngmee Jung¹  JustinJihong Chung¹  DamHyeok Im²  SuJeong Park³  SooHyun Kim³  SeungHyuk Im³ 

[1] Center for Biomaterials, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea;Department of Mechanical Engineering, Graduate School, Korea University, 145, Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea;NBIT, KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Korea;

关键词: polylactide;    stereocomplex;    biodegradable polymers;    drug delivery system;    biomedical applications;   

DOI  :  10.3390/molecules26102846

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Polylactide (PLA) is among the most common biodegradable polymers, with applications in various fields, such as renewable and biomedical industries. PLA features poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA) and poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) enantiomers, which form stereocomplex crystals through racemic blending. PLA emerged as a promising material owing to its sustainable, eco-friendly, and fully biodegradable properties. Nevertheless, PLA still has a low applicability for drug delivery as a carrier and scaffold. Stereocomplex PLA (sc-PLA) exhibits substantially improved mechanical and physical strength compared to the homopolymer, overcoming these limitations. Recently, numerous studies have reported the use of sc-PLA as a drug carrier through encapsulation of various drugs, proteins, and secondary molecules by various processes including micelle formation, self-assembly, emulsion, and inkjet printing. However, concerns such as low loading capacity, weak stability of hydrophilic contents, and non-sustainable release behavior remain. This review focuses on various strategies to overcome the current challenges of sc-PLA in drug delivery systems and biomedical applications in three critical fields, namely anti-cancer therapy, tissue engineering, and anti-microbial activity. Furthermore, the excellent potential of sc-PLA as a next-generation polymeric material is discussed.

【 授权许可】

Unknown