Analysis of ester- and acid-capped PLGA samples in mobile phases of DCM and THF.

Biodegradable, thermoplastic materials polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid have found a wide range of uses, specifically in biomedical applications such as absorbable sutures, and medical implant hardware, as well as food packaging, clothing, and as a feedstock material for 3D printers. The high demand for these materials stems from the fact that they degrade via hydrolysis of the ester linkage into the natural metabolic byproducts lactic acid and glycolic acid. As these compounds are naturally occurring, the body is adept at eliminating them, minimizing the toxicity and other health risks.