Sahini, Mtabazi G.2024-08-192024-08-192023Sahini, M. G. (2023). Polylactic acid (PLA)-based materials: a review on the synthesis and drug delivery applications. Emergent Materials, 6(5), 1461-1479.DOI: 10.1007/s42247-023-00551-7https://repository.udom.ac.tz/handle/20.500.12661/4772Abstract. Full-text available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s42247-023-00551-7Controlled drug release is an important aspect of biomedical applications of polymer materials. Polylactic acid (PLA)-based materials have been thoroughly researched for biomedical applications, owing to their attractive properties. Here, the advancements in the preparation and application of PLA-based polymers for drug delivery are reviewed. In addition to discussing the potentials of the PLA-based materials for drug delivery, the production techniques and various geometries of the drug carriers are also covered. The review has established that several drugs, including ibuprofen, amphotericin B, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, ketoprofen, rifampicin, salinomycin, ciprofloxacin, and ornidazole, have been successfully loaded into and released from PLA-based materials. Due to the hydrophobic nature of PLA, its modification to accommodate both the hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs is emphasized in the literature.enControlled drug releaseBiomedical applicationsPolylactic acid (PLA)Drug deliveryPLA-based polymersProduction techniquesDrug carriersIbuprofenAmphotericin BPaclitaxel5-fluorouracilDoxorubicinKetoprofenRifampicinSalinomycinCiprofloxacinOrnidazoleHydrophobic drugsHydrophilic drugsPLA modification.Article10.1007/s42247-023-00551-7