Emerging Frontiers of Biomedical Applications of PLGA : Where Do We Stand?

Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biodegradable polymer widely used in biomedical research owing to its biocompatibility, tunable degradation, and compatibility with a broad range of therapeutic agents. This review examines recent advances in PLGA‐based systems across established and emerging areas, including cancer nanomedicine, wound healing, tissue regeneration, phytoconstituent delivery, immunomodulation, imaging and diagnostics, three‐dimensional (3D) printing, antimicrobial therapy, and surgical adjuncts. It also considers clinical translation and recent patent activity, providing a broader perspective on how PLGA‐based technologies are evolving beyond conventional drug delivery. Recent studies show that PLGA‐based micro‐ and nanosystems can support controlled release, improve drug loading and cellular uptake, and enable targeted or multifunctional delivery. Despite this progress, translation remains constrained by formulation stability, hydrophilic drug encapsulation, batch‐to‐batch variability, sterilization, scale‐up, and regulatory requirements. PLGA therefore remains a highly versatile platform for biomedical use, but its broader clinical impact will depend on reproducible manufacturing, stronger translational evidence, and formulation strategies that adequately address safety, stability, and scalability.