Polylactide based nanostructured biomaterials and their applications

Polylactide (PLA) is one of the most innovative materials being actively investigated for a wide range of industrial applications. The polymer is a linear aliphatic thermoplastic polyester which is biodegradable as well as biocompatible, which makes it highly versatile and attractive to various commodities and medical applications. A large variety of nanoparticles of different nature and size can be blended with PLA, therefore, generating a new class of nanostructured biomaterials or nanocomposites with interesting physical properties and applications. PLA based nanostructured biomaterials are the focus of this review article, throwing light on their preparation techniques, physical properties, and industrial applications. Structural characteristics and morphological features of PLA based nanocomposites have been explained on the basis of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Depending upon the nature and characteristics of the nanoparticles, the ultimate properties of the resulting nanocomposite materials can be tailored. Biocompatible materials such as carbon nanotubes, cellulose nanowhiskers, hydroxyapitite, etc. could be incorporated into the PLA matrix, which increase the potential of PLA for biomedical applications. Applications of PLA based nanostructured materials in different areas have been summarized.