POLYLACTIC ACID (PLA) was discovered in 1932 by Carothers (DuPont) who produced a low molecular weight product by heating lactic acid under vac- uum. Subsequent work by DuPont and Ethicon has focused on the manufacture of medical grade sutures, implants, and controlled drug release applications. More recently, companies such as Shimadzu and Mitsui Tuatsu in Japan have Been producing limited quantities of polylactic acid for more "commodity" Plastics applications.
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