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

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to improve the mechanical property of brittle carbonate apatite (CO 3 Ap) foam aimed as bone substitute material by reinforcement with poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA). The CO 3 Ap foam was reinforced with PLGA by immersion and vacuum infiltration methods. Compressive strength of CO 3 Ap 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 CO 3 Ap 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 CO 3 Ap foam interface and less amount of PLGA inside the hollow space of the strut when immersion method was employed. Strong PLGA-CO 3 Ap foam interface and larger amount of PLGA inside the hollow space of the strut is therefore the key to higher mechanical property obtained for CO 3 Ap foam when vacuum infiltration was employed for PLGA reinforcement.

Fabrication and Physical Evaluation of Gelatin-Coated Carbonate Apatite Foam

“…In fact, osteogenesis imperfecta, or Lobstein syndrome, is known to be caused by a deficiency in type I collagen [5,6]. Recently, a poly (L) lactic acid glycolic acid (PLGA) copolymer and ε-caprolactone were reported to be effective in CO 3 Ap foam reinforcement [7,8,9,10]. In both cases, the mechanical strength of the foam was improved significantly by coating it with these materials.…”

“…In both cases, the mechanical strength of the foam was improved significantly by coating it with these materials. Although both polymers are classified as bioresorbable, the tissue response to them is relatively poor [7,8,9,10]. …”