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Polyglycolic acid (PGA) is a synthetic, biodegradable, aliphatic polyester derived from glycolic acid. It is the simplest linear polyester and is considered one of the strongest biodegradable polymers available. PGA is typically produced through the ring-opening polymerization of glycolide (the cyclic dimer of glycolic acid) under heat with a catalyst. This results in a high molecular weight polymer that is highly crystalline, which contributes to its exceptional tensile strength and modulus. However, this crystallinity also makes it relatively stiff and brittle. A key property of PGA is its rapid hydrolytic degradation in aqueous environments; it loses strength within weeks and completely resorbs in months, as its glycolic acid monomer is a natural metabolite in the human body.

The primary application for PGA, often in copolymer form with lactide (as Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) or PLGA), is in the medical field as bioresorbable sutures, surgical meshes, and drug delivery systems. Its strength and predictable absorption profile make it ideal for internal sutures that do not require removal. Beyond medicine, PGA has niche industrial uses where temporary structural integrity is needed, such as in oil and gas as a component in temporary downhole tools or fracking fluids. The packaging industry has explored PGA for biodegradable films and rigid containers, though its cost and rapid degradation have limited widespread adoption compared to polylactic acid (PLA). As a high-performance, biocompatible polymer with a clear environmental end-of-life, PGA remains a critical material in advanced medical technology and a subject of research for sustainable material solutions.