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PLGA
PLGA, PLG, or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) is a copolymer that is used in a host of (FDA) Food and Drug Administration approved therapeutic devices, owing to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. PLGA is synthesized by means of ring-opening co-polymerization of two different monomers, the cyclic dimers (1,4-dioxane-2,5-diones) of glycolic acid and lactic acid. Polymers can be synthesized as either block or random copolymers thereby imparting additional polymer properties. Common catalysts used in the preparation of this polymer include tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate, tin(II) alkoxides, or aluminum isopropoxide. Successive monomeric units (of lactic and glycolic acid) are linked together during polymerization in PLGA by ester linkages, thus producing a linear, aliphatic polyester as a result.
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