Effects of PLGA reinforcement methods on the mechanical property of carbonate apatite foam

The purpose of this study was to improve the mechanical property of brittle carbonate apatite (CO3Ap) foam aimed as bone substitute material by reinforcement with poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). The CO3Ap foam was reinforced with PLGA by immersion and vacuum infiltration methods. Compressive strength of CO3Ap foam (12.0±4.9 kPa) increased after PLGA reinforcement by immersion (187.6±57.6 kPa) or vacuum infiltration (407.0±111.4 kPa). Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation showed a gapless PLGA and CO3Ap foam interface and larger amount of PLGA inside the hollow space of the strut when vacuum infiltration method was employed. In contrast a gap was observed at the PLGA and CO3Ap foam interface and less amount of PLGA inside the hollow space of the strut when immersion method was employed. Strong PLGA-CO3Ap foam interface and larger amount of PLGA inside the hollow space of the strut is therefore the key to higher mechanical property obtained for CO3Ap foam when vacuum infiltration was employed for PLGA reinforcement.