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.