Present situation and future perspectives of poly(lactic acid).- Biorefinery-based lactic acid fermentation: An insight into the microbial production to the pure monomer product.- Catalytic systems used for the production of poly(lactic acid).- Hydrolysis and biodegradation of poly(lactic acid).- Thermal properties and thermodynamics of poly(L-lactic acid).- The amorphous fractions of poly(lactic acid).- Kinetics of nucleation and growth of crystals of poly(L-lactic acid).- Crystal polymorphism and morphology of polylactides.- Rheology, mechanical properties, barrier properties of poly(lactic acid).