PLA-Collagen Composite Scaffold Fabrication by Vacuum Pressure Impregnation.

Composite scaffolds are made by various methods, such as copolymerization, freeze gelation and thermally induced phase separation, that can compound materials with different properties using solvents and heat. However, it is difficult to compound solvents and heat-sensitive materials such as natural polymers. In this study, we investigated a vacuum pressure impregnation (VPI) method for creating a composite of natural polymers. A collagen solution could not be introduced into a Poly L-lactic acid (PLA) porous material using an immersing treatment, but it is possible using the VPI method. The resulting PLA-collagen composite scaffold had greater water adsorption and degradation than a PLA scaffold. These results indicate VPI may be a promising method for creating composites of natural materials.