Influence of PLGA concentrations on structural and mechanical properties of carbonate apatite foam

Reinforcement with bioresorbable polymer such as PLGA is one of the useful ways to improve the mechanical property of brittle carbonate apatite (CO3Ap) foam. In the present study, CO3Ap foam was reinforced with various concentrations of PLGA solution (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%) using vacuum infiltration method and its influence on structure, porosity and mechanical property was investigated. It was found that the amount of PLGA inside the hollow space of the CO3Ap foam strut increased with the concentration of PLGA. Porosity likewise was significantly (p<0.05) reduced from 94% (CO3Ap foam without PLGA) down to 82% (CO3Ap foam reinforced with 20 wt% PLGA). Compressive strength of CO3Ap foam significantly (p<0.05) increased from 0.02 MPa (CO3Ap foam without PLGA) up to 1.5 MPa (CO3Ap foam reinforced with 20 wt% PLGA).