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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Antimicrobial Characterization of Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Applications
Published on: August 4, 2018
Comparative study of antimicrobial release kinetics from polymethylmethacrylate
Paloma Anguita-Alonso1, Mark S Rouse, Kerryl E Piper
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Abstract:
Polymethylmethacrylate loaded with antimicrobial agents (most commonly vancomycin and/or aminoglycosides) is used for treatment and prevention of orthopaedic infections. Emergence of organisms resistant to vancomycin or aminoglycosides or both has been reported. Therefore, we studied in vitro release from polymethylmethacrylate beads of antimicrobials with suitable spectra for orthopaedic infections, including cefazolin, ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid, and rifampin (2.5%, 7.5%, and 15%). Beads were placed in a continuous flow chamber, and antimicrobial concentrations in chamber outflow were determined by bioassay at timed intervals thereafter. Release profiles were bimodal with initial rapid release of high concentrations followed by sustained, slow release. Antimicrobial agents studied showed varied release profiles, indicating that elution from polymethylmethacrylate is unique to individual antimicrobial agents. Increasing antimicrobial concentration in polymethylmethacrylate increased peak concentrations and area under the curve. Cefazolin, ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid, and rifampin may be suitable for incorporation into polymethylmethacrylate for management of orthopaedic infections.
Insights
Polymethylmethacrylate beads release various antimicrobials, including cefazolin and rifampin, in vitro. Different antimicrobial elution profiles from polymethylmethacrylate were observed, suggesting suitability for orthopaedic infection management.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Infectious disease
- Materials science
Background:
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) loaded with vancomycin/aminoglycosides is standard for orthopaedic infections.
- Emerging antimicrobial resistance necessitates alternative treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate in vitro release of diverse antimicrobials from PMMA beads.
- To assess the suitability of cefazolin, ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid, and rifampin for PMMA incorporation.
Main Methods:
- PMMA beads loaded with antimicrobials (2.5%, 7.5%, 15%) were tested in a continuous flow chamber.
- Antimicrobial concentrations in outflow were quantified via bioassay at timed intervals.
Main Results:
- Observed bimodal release: initial rapid high concentration followed by sustained slow release.
- Elution profiles varied significantly among tested antimicrobials.
- Increased PMMA antimicrobial concentration correlated with higher peak concentrations and area under the curve.
Conclusions:
- Antimicrobial elution from PMMA is agent-specific.
- Cefazolin, ciprofloxacin, gatifloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid, and rifampin demonstrate potential for PMMA-based orthopaedic infection management.
