Polyglycolic acid (PGA) is a biodegradable, thermoplastic polymer belonging to the family of aliphatic polyesters. It is derived from glycolic acid monomers and is recognized for its excellent mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. PGA is a crystalline polymer with a high melting point and rapid hydrolytic degradation, which makes it particularly suitable for medical, pharmaceutical, and environmentally sustainable applications.

One of the most important applications of polyglycolic acid is in the medical and healthcare sector. Its biocompatibility and ability to degrade into non-toxic by-products, primarily glycolic acid, make it ideal for absorbable surgical sutures. PGA sutures are commonly used in soft tissue closure, cardiovascular procedures, and ophthalmic surgeries because they provide sufficient tensile strength during healing and are naturally absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for suture removal. Beyond sutures, PGA is also used in tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems, and wound dressings, where its controlled degradation and structural properties support cell growth and therapeutic release.

In addition to medical applications, PGA has found utility in the biodegradable plastics industry. Its rapid hydrolytic degradation and high crystallinity make it a promising candidate for environmentally friendly packaging materials, agricultural films, and disposable items. Unlike conventional plastics, PGA breaks down into harmless products, reducing environmental pollution and contributing to sustainable material solutions. Its mechanical properties, including high tensile strength and stiffness, allow it to be processed into films, fibers, and molded components for various industrial purposes.

Polyglycolic acid is often used in combination with other biodegradable polymers, such as polylactic acid (PLA), to tailor degradation rates, mechanical performance, and processability. This blending approach enables manufacturers to produce materials with specific characteristics suited to particular medical devices or biodegradable consumer products. Its compatibility with standard polymer processing techniques, including injection molding, extrusion, and fiber spinning, further enhances its versatility.

From a chemical standpoint, PGA is highly hydrophilic and susceptible to hydrolysis, which governs its biodegradation rate. Its degradation products are non-toxic and readily metabolized by the body or the environment. However, its moisture sensitivity during storage and processing requires careful handling to maintain polymer stability and performance. Its combination of biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and environmentally friendly degradation makes it an essential material in advancing both healthcare solutions and green polymer technologies. Ongoing research continues to expand its applications, particularly in composite materials and advanced biodegradable systems.