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
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
