ABSTRACT
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the widely used biodegradable polymers, FDA-approved for various biomedical applications. Modifications are, nevertheless, required for acquiring improved biological properties. Smart and intelligent PLA-based biomaterials can be achieved using appropriate modification. In an attempt to enhance the understanding about PLA and PLA-based biomaterials for bioengineering applications, the current chapter focuses on the common routes of synthesis, functionalization, and nanoparticle fabrication from linear and branched PLA for their diverse bioengineering applications. Functionalization portion includes modification with biofunctional moieties as well biologically valuable polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PNVP), poly(amino acids) and polysaccharides. Further, the chapter also presents a succinct account of the stimuli-responsive controlled release of drug molecules from PLA-based nanoformulations and improved cell proliferation and mechanical properties of PLA-based 3D scaffolds fabricated using various techniques.
