Zoom on PLGA filament

Focus on PLGA filament

PLGA 85:15 filament, also known as GLYCOLACTISSE 85/15 at Lattice Services, is a poly(lactic-co-glycolic) copolymer designed for medical applications. Its biocompatibility, controlled resorption and mechanical rigidity make it the material of choice for orthopedic surgery, tissue engineering and the manufacture of resorbable fixation devices.

Its ability to be precisely 3D printed enables the design of customized medical devices, adapted to the specific needs of each patient.

Characteristics of PLGA 85:15 filament:

• Nature : Poly(lactic-co-glycolic) copolymer
• Composition: 85% lactic acid / 15% glycolic acid
• Color: Transparent, slightly golden highlights
• Appearance: Rigid
• Diameter: 1.75 mm – 2.85 mm
• Weight: 100 g – 200 g
• Origin: Made in France
• Properties: Bioresorbable, biocompatible, implantable, easy to imprint

With a resorption time of 12 to 24 months and a glass transition temperature above room temperature, PLGA ensures prolonged structural maintenance before being naturally eliminated by the body.

Medical applications

🦴 Absorbable bone implants

PLGA 85:15 is frequently used to manufacture temporary bone implants. Combined with bioactive materials such as hydroxyapatite (PLGA-HA) or beta-TCP, it promotes osseointegration and bone regeneration.

🔩 Fixation devices

Screws, plates or anchors: PLGA enables bone structures to be securely fixed, while gradually disappearing. Ideal for orthopedic or maxillofacial surgery, it avoids a second operation to remove the device.

🧬 Scaffolds for tissue engineering

PLGA filament makes an excellent base for cell scaffolds. It supports cell growth and then gently resorbs, making way for healthy, regenerated biological tissue.

Advantages and limitations of PLGA

✅ Advantages:

• Bioresorbable: avoids the need for a second operation
• Mechanical rigidity: ensures good structural support
• Controlled degradation (12-24 months): ideal for long-term implants
• Biocompatible: well tolerated by the body
• Easy 3D printing: PLA-like behavior, accurate and stable printing

❌ Constraints:

• Sensitive to humidity: requires rigorous storage conditions
• Less flexible than PDO: useful rigidity but limits certain soft applications

Lattice Services offers a medical-grade PLGA filament designed for the custom manufacture of resorbable implants. It combines mechanical performance, controlled resorption and ease of printing to meet the most demanding medical device requirements.

👉 To discover the GLYCOLACTISSE 85/15 filament product page, click here.