# Polylactic acid, (C3H4O2)n

Polylactic acid (PLA, (C3H4O2)n) is a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. It has captured significant attention due to its compostability under industrial conditions, positioning it as an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. PLA is utilized in a multitude of applications ranging from food packaging to biomedicine, such as drug delivery systems and surgical implants. In the realm of optics, PLA is typically transparent, with a refractive index that can be influenced by factors like crystallinity and processing methods. Though its mechanical strength is comparable to that of polystyrene, PLA has a lower melting temperature, which can limit its use in certain high-temperature applications. Nevertheless, due to its biocompatibility and environmentally friendly nature, polylactic acid continues to be a material of interest for both research and commercial purposes.

## Other names

- Poly(lactic acid)
- Polylactide
- PLA

## Variations

- PLA: Polylactide
- PDLA: Poly-D-lactide
- PLLA: Poly-L-lactide
- PDLLA: Poly-DL-lactide

## External links

- Polylactic acid - Wikipedia