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

Abstract

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).