- The primary benefit of using biodegradable biomaterials such as PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) in medical applications is the reduction in long-term foreign body reaction.
- Unlike permanent implants, biodegradable materials gradually degrade and are absorbed by the body, eliminating the need for surgical removal and minimizing chronic inflammation or immune response associated with long-term foreign materials.

Key points to consider:
- Biodegradability allows the material to break down safely within the body over time.
- This degradation reduces the presence of foreign material, thereby decreasing the risk of long-term foreign body reaction.
- PLGA degradation products (lactic acid and glycolic acid) are naturally metabolized by the body.
- While metals provide high mechanical strength, biodegradable polymers typically have lower mechanical strength but are preferred for applications where temporary support is sufficient.
- PLGA does not improve electrical conductivity; in fact, polymers are generally less conductive than metals.
- Rather than enhancing resistance to enzymatic degradation, PLGA is designed to be sensitive to hydrolytic degradation, which enables its resorption.

Therefore, the main advantage lies in its ability to safely degrade in the body, reducing complications related to permanent foreign materials.

Reference: *Biomaterials Science: An Introduction to Materials in Medicine*, 3rd Edition, Chapter 8, p. 230-235