Binding of aminoglycoside antibiotics to filtration materials

An investigation to study adsorption of gentamicin and other related aminoglycoside antibiotics to cellulose, diatomaceous earth (Celite), and Seitz filter sheets was carried out. Experiments with five aminoglycosides indicated that 30 to 100% of these antibiotics was adsorbed to cellulose depending on the ratio of antibiotic to adsorbent, and the total quantity could not be removed by acidification. Similarly, a study with gentamicin found adsorption to diatomaceous earth to be in the range of 33 to 98%. Neomycin and gentamicin were also readily adsorbed to Seitz filter sheets. The data indicate that large losses may occur during filtration of these antibiotics under certain conditions, and care should be taken to properly evaluate results during studies with these compounds in the presence of adsorbent materials.