Why use PLMA?
PLMA stands out from other hydrogels because of its inherent antimicrobial properties. It is effective against a broad range of microorganisms, making it particularly useful for applications where contamination or bacterial growth is a concern.
It’s commonly used for:
- Antimicrobial hydrogels and coatings
- Wound dressing research
- Tissue engineering
- 3D bioprinting and bio-inks
- Functionalising other hydrogel systems
Compared to traditional antimicrobial additives (e.g. silver), PLMA offers a more biologically compatible approach without relying on metal ions.
Key features
PLMA combines antimicrobial function with hydrogel versatility:
- Rapid gelation under light (typically within seconds)
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity
- Tunable mechanical properties
- Good printability and mixing behaviour
- Compatible with other hydrogels such as GelMA, HAMA, and AlgMA
Available PLMA Hydrogel Options
Smart MCs offers Poly-L-lysine Methacrylate (PLMA) hydrogel as a photocrosslinkable hydrogel for antimicrobial, tissue engineering, and bioprinting research. Each PLMA product is supplied as a set with LAP photoinitiator included.
PLMA Set
Includes:
- 0.5 g PLMA hydrogel
- 0.025 g LAP photoinitiator
PLMA is supplied as a white, sponge-like material and is suitable for antimicrobial hydrogels, coatings, tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting, and composite hydrogel systems.
Performance
PLMA is designed for applications where both biological activity and material control are important.
- Fast photocuring under visible light
- Wide stiffness range depending on concentration
- Low viscosity, enabling smooth extrusion and mixing
- Suitable for 3D printing with good shape fidelity
- Supports cell attachment and proliferation at optimised concentrations
Detailed characterisation data is available on request.
Custom options
We can tailor PLMA to suit your application, including:
- Blending with other hydrogel systems
- Adjusting mechanical or biological properties
- Peptide-functionalised formulations
