Is PLA truly biocompatible?

0
A
1

Looking for advice. I’m looking at PLA for single-use medical prototypes because of its biodegradable properties, but I’m not sure about its suitability for biocompatibility in short-term contact with human skin or fluids. Any experience or insights into whether standard PLA grades can meet biocompatibility requirements, or would I need to source medical-grade PLA for this application?

Solved by Vincent D
PLA is inherently biocompatible because it can be broken down by natural processes into lactic acid (by hydrolysis of the ester bonds), and then further into products that leave the body with urine. In fact, PLA has been applied for medical uses since the 1970s and is (I think) the single most widely used biopolymer in the medical industry. So for short-term contact, I’d expect that it is perfectly fine. If you are looking to use standard grades, just be sure that it is essentially pure PLA, to be confident of the biocompatibility. You need to be careful with PLA filament for 3D printing, as it is more likely to contain additives to improve the behavior during printing, and the properties of the completed print. These additives can include calcium carbonate, acrylics, and fillers, which may not be biocompatible.
    • V

      PLA is inherently biocompatible because it can be broken down by natural processes into lactic acid (by hydrolysis of the ester bonds), and then further into products that leave the body with urine. In fact, PLA has been applied for medical uses since the 1970s and is (I think) the single most widely used biopolymer in the medical industry. So for short-term contact, I’d expect that it is perfectly fine.

      If you are looking to use standard grades, just be sure that it is essentially pure PLA, to be confident of the biocompatibility. You need to be careful with PLA filament for 3D printing, as it is more likely to contain additives to improve the behavior during printing, and the properties of the completed print. These additives can include calcium carbonate, acrylics, and fillers, which may not be biocompatible.

      0
      Reply
Is PLA truly biocompatible?
Your information:




Suggested Topics

Topic
Replies
Views
Activity
MJF material with the best low-temp resistance
Hello, I need to produce a small housing component for an outdoor sensor unit. I thought MJF could be a good fit for prototyping and potentially low-volume production. The part needs to handle exposure... read more
J
1
31
Apr 15
Best material for vibration-dampers fan spacers
Help, I need to reduce vibrations transmitted to the enclosure and improve airflow efficiency for 3D-printed spacers for mounting cooling fans on an industrial control cabinet. These spacers need to provide some damping without... read more
Y
C
2
78
Mar 20
Coated fasteners for stainless steel in coastal environments
We need to create a stainless steel structure for outdoor use in a coastal environment, and corrosion is our primary concern. We're considering coated fasteners but need to understand whether thicker coatings provide adequate... read more
M
C
1
93
Mar 18
Aluminium 5083 stiff enough for electronic keyboard enclosure?
I’m working on an enclosure for a compact electronic keyboard system, including a weighted key mechanism, and have chosen Aluminium 5083 for all parts due to its corrosion resistance and machinability. My main concern... read more
S
o
B
3
129
Apr 15
Best injection molding plastic for plastic enclosure
Hi everyone, we’re talking about a snap-fit design for a small electronic enclosure that needs to be opened and closed frequently—about 20 cycles per week. The part should be injection molded, and I’m deciding... read more
M
B
V
3
142
Apr 16