select
navigate
switch tabs
Esc close

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.
    • A

      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?

      0
    • 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
Resistant material for small gear system
Looking for the best material for a locking mechanism for an electric vehicle charging connector. Essentially a small gear system that engages to prevent unplugging during charging. The gear teeth are low-load but need... read more
E
B
M
2
18
Jul 04
Effect of zinc flake coating thickness on bolt performance
In an automotive subframe project using M12 class 10.9 bolts, exposed to salt spray and vibration, I’m looking into zinc flake coatings for corrosion protection. Curious if doubling the coating thickness—from 8 µm to... read more
B
n
T
2
41
Jun 26
direct metal laser sintering
I need to obtain hole/channel sizes of 0.65 mm. will this be obtainable with a 40-60 layer thickness in tool steel?
j
1
58
Jun 13
SLA material for outdoor indicator lenses
hi,  I'm recreating two small indicator lenses for a 1980s motorcycle restoration. These need to be clear, UV-stable, and able to handle exposure to sun and rain long-term. I’m planning to go with SLA... read more
R
R
V
2
142
Jun 24
Steel Advice
HelloI would like to request a quote for cold cutting tools (no temperature problems). I usually work with high-speed steels, for their hardness and the relative ease of re-sharpening, but none is offered in... read more
m
P
1
123
Apr 30