Poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid)-based composite bone-substitute materials

Abstract

Research and development of the ideal artificial bone-substitute materials to replace autologous and allogeneic bones for repairing bone defects is still a challenge in clinical orthopedics. Recently, poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based artificial bone-substitute materials are attracting increasing attention as the benefit of their suitable biocompatibility, degradability, mechanical properties, and capabilities to promote bone regeneration. In this article, we comprehensively review the artificial bone-substitute materials made from PLGA or the composites of PLGA and other organic and inorganic substances, elaborate on their applications for bone regeneration with or without bioactive factors, and prospect the challenges and opportunities in clinical bone regeneration.

Graphical abstract

Highlights

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  Poly(lactic- co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is one of the most promising biodegradable polymers for biomedical applications.

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  PLGA-based scaffolds have suitable biocompatibility, degradability, mechanical properties, and osteoinductivity.

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  PLGA-based bone-substitute materials combined with cells, growth factors, and drugs promote bone regeneration effectively.

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  PLGA-based bone-substitute materials exhibit an excellent clinical prospect for bone repair.