Polylactic Acid-Based Biomaterials in Wound Healing: A Systematic Review

Abstract

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVETo examine (1) the effectiveness of polylactic acid (PLA)-based biomaterials in wound healing, (2) their effects on wound infection prevention, and (3) their safety compared with existing biomaterials.DATA SOURCESData sources included PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), WEIPU, and WANFANG databases.STUDY SELECTIONInvestigators included 14 studies discussing the effects of PLA-based biomaterials in cutaneous wound healing published from 2000 to 2021.DATA EXTRACTIONAuthors extracted the following information from the selected studies: general information, study type, type of wound, PLA-based biomaterials and techniques, study period, outcome measures, and results.DATA SYNTHESISPolylactic acid-based biomaterials may promote wound healing through wound area repair, collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and cell activities, which are related to the good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and moisture management properties of PLA. A proper product structure may also help. Both the native PLA materials and PLA blends seem to be antibacterial, although more evidence is needed for the native PLA products. Because there was no severe adverse event or obvious cytotoxicity observed in the included studies, PLA-based biomaterials are likely safe.CONCLUSIONSPolylactic acid-based biomaterials may be good wound dressing materials, although more evidence is needed to support their broader application in wound care.