Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers polylactic acid (PLA) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) are used in many different applications, including food packaging, farming materials, biomedical devices such as absorbable surgical thread, and implants such as stents or drug release systems.

3D-printing is another application that benefits from the low melt processing temperature of PLA.

Usually, PLA and PLGA are based on monomers from renewable sources, so are considered green polymers. By selecting different molecular weights, different ratios of lactic: glycolic acid and different molecular structures, some properties such as degradation or drug release rates can be tailored to meet application needs.