Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is considered the most promising biobased substitute for fossil-derived polymers due to its compostability, biocompatibility, renewability, and good thermomechanical properties. However, PLA suffers from several shortcomings, such as low heat distortion temperature, thermal resistance, and rate of crystallization, whereas some other specific properties, i.e., flame retardancy, anti-UV, antibacterial or barrier properties, antistatic to conductive electrical characteristics, etc., are required by different end-use sectors. The addition of different nanofillers represents an attractive way to develop and enhance the properties of neat PLA. Numerous nanofillers with different architectures and properties have been investigated, with satisfactory achievements, in the design of PLA nanocomposites. This review paper overviews the current advances in the synthetic routes of PLA nanocomposites, the imparted properties of each nano-additive, as well as the numerous applications of PLA nanocomposites in various industrial fields.

In the present study, a series of aliphatic polyesters based on succinic acid and several diols with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 methylene groups, namely poly(ethylene succinate) (PESu), poly(butylene succinate) (PBSu), poly(hexylene succinate) (PHSu), poly(octylene succinate) (POSu), and poly(decylene succinate) (PDeSu), were prepared via a two-stage melt polycondensation method. All polyesters were semicrystalline materials with T_m ranging from 64.2 to 117.8 °C, while their T_g values were progressively decreasing by increasing the methylene group number in the used diols. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that the synthesized poly(alkylene succinate)s present high thermal stability with maximum decomposition rates at temperatures 420–430 °C. The thermal decomposition mechanism was also evaluated with the aid of Pyrolysis–Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS), proving that all the studied polyesters decompose via a similar pathway, with degradation taking place mainly via β–hydrogen bond scission and less extensive with homolytic scission.

The present study reports the design and physicochemical characterization of a hybrid nanoparticle system for the potential intranasal delivery of galantamine (GAL), aimed at improving its bioavailability. Carbon dots (CDs) were used to load GAL, enhancing its dissolution and stability, and were subsequently incorporated into a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)–curcumin (PLGA–Cur) conjugate matrix. The successful formation of the PLGA-Cur conjugate was verified via ¹H-NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, while the loading of GAL and its physical state in the CDs was assessed via FTIR and pXRD, respectively. The resulting GAL-CD/PLGA–Cur nanoparticles were spherical, with particle sizes varying from 153.7 nm to 256.3 nm, a uniform morphology and a narrow size distribution. In vitro release studies demonstrated a multi-phase sustained release pattern extending up to 12 days. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses confirmed successful conjugation and molecular interactions between GAL and the carrier matrix. This proof-of-concept hybrid system demonstrates promising controlled, multi-phase sustained galantamine release in vitro, highlighting the role of curcumin conjugation in modulating polymer structure and release kinetics and providing a foundation for future biological evaluation.

In this study, a series of copolymers was synthesized using the promising biodegradable polymers Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and Poly(ethylene adipate) (PEAd), known for their high potential. PEAd was synthesized through a two-step melt polycondensation process and then used to prepare copolymers with PLLA (PLLA-co-PEAd) and PLGA (PLGA-co-PEAd) at weight ratios of 90/10 and 75/25, respectively. The synthesized materials, along with the starting polymers, were extensively characterized for their structure, molecular weight, crystallinity, and thermal behavior. These novel systems exhibit single thermal transitions, e.g., glass transition. The incorporation of PEAd into the copolymers induced a plasticizing effect, evidenced by a consistent decrease in the glass transition temperature. Due to the latter effect in combination with the M_w drop, the facilitation of crystal nucleation was observed. Finally, the results by dielectric spectroscopy on the local and segmental molecular mobility provided additional proof for the homogeneity of the systems, as manifested, e.g., by the recording of single segmental relaxation processes. Overall, the findings indicate that the PLLA-co-PEAd and PLGA-co-PEAd copolymers hold significant potential, and the use of complementary experimental techniques offers valuable insights and indirect indications of their properties.

Background/Objectives: Achieving effective hemostasis is a vital step in wound healing, particularly in cases of severe bleeding caused by surgical procedures or trauma. This study focuses on the development of chitosan-based dressings enriched with Heparin (hep)-loaded poly(butylene succinate) (PBSu) nanoparticles to combine hemostatic and anticoagulant properties. Methods: Chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable carbohydrate with inherent antibacterial and hemostatic properties, was chemically modified with 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) to enhance its swelling ability and hemostatic activity. PBSu nanoparticles were synthesized using an oil-in-water emulsification method and loaded with Hep to achieve controlled anticoagulant release. The dressings of the modified chitosan derivatives with the nanoparticles which were systematically characterized for morphology, chemical structure, swelling ability, loading capacity, and Hep release kinetics. Results: This dual-function system is designed to decouple local surface hemostasis from thrombotic processes: the chitosan matrix provides rapid topical hemostasis, while controlled heparin release from the nanoparticles aims to modulate excessive fibrin deposition, support microvascular perfusion, and exploit the pro-healing benefits of low-dose heparin reported in advanced wound dressings, particularly in high-risk or thrombotic-prone patients. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated their potential for promoting rapid hemostasis. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the integration of modified chitosan and Hep-loaded nanoparticles is a promising strategy for advancing wound care and hemostatic technologies.