Medical-grade PLGA

The GLYCOLACTISSE [PLGA 10% HA] medical-grade filament is an amorphous thermoplastic made from high-quality poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), combined with 10% hydroxyapatite (HA), a naturally occurring component of bone. Ivory in color and rigid in appearance, this material is characterized by its progressive resorption, occurring within 12 to 24 months after implantation. Thanks to its innovative composition, it combines the controlled degradation properties of PLGA with the osteoconductive benefits of hydroxyapatite. Implantable, bioresorbable, and biocompatible, it is particularly well suited for applications requiring temporary structural support, especially in bone reconstruction.

Zoom on medical PLGA

Zoom on medical-grade PLGA

Technical specifications

  • Nature: Amorphous thermoplastic
  • Color: Ivory
  • Appearance: Rigid
  • Diameter: 1.75 mm
  • Weight: 100 g – 200 g
  • Origin: Made in France
  • Properties: Bioresorbable, biocompatible, implantable, osteoconductive

Printing properties

To ensure reliable prints suitable for medical applications, the following parameters are recommended:

  • Extrusion temperature: 210–230 °C
  • Bed temperature: 55–65 °C
  • Printing speed: 20–90 mm/s

PLGA/HA is sensitive to moisture and storage conditions. It should be stored under vacuum with a desiccant, protected from light, and kept at low temperatures (between -4 °C and -20 °C). Before use, exposure to ambient air should be minimized to preserve its properties.

Its biological and functional properties

  • Medium-term bioresorbable (12 to 24 months)
  • Biocompatible
  • Implantable
  • Rigid
  • Osteoconductive (supports bone growth)
  • Controlled and progressive degradation

Its rigidity, combined with its ability to promote bone integration, makes it an ideal material for devices requiring durable mechanical support while remaining resorbable.

Its areas of application

Medical-grade PLGA/HA filament is particularly suitable for the following healthcare applications:

  • Bone implants
  • Orthopedic screws
  • Bone reconstruction devices

Advantages and precautions

Advantages

  • Controlled resorption (12 to 24 months)
  • Excellent biocompatibility
  • Promotes osteointegration
  • Implantable
  • Similar properties and processing behavior to PLA
  • Suitable for bone reconstruction applications

Precautions

  • Store between -4 °C and -20 °C
  • Keep in airtight packaging with a desiccant
  • Protect from light
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to moisture
  • Restore proper storage conditions after extended periods of non-use

Need support?

Whether you are developing medical devices, surgical guides or technical instruments, our team supports you from material selection through to technical validation.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements and find out how our filament can support your medical 3D printing projects.