Effect of polyhexanide and gentamycin on human osteoblasts and endothelial cells

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomaterials Science
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Total joint replacement infections are challenging due to antibiotic resistance.
• Antiseptics offer broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with limited bacterial tolerance.
• Limited research exists on antiseptic application to bone.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the biocompatibility of antiseptic polyhexanide with bone-related cells.
• Evaluate the suitability of polyhexanide supplementation in bone cement for treating total arthroplasty infections.

Main Methods:

• In vitro study using human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) and endothelial (EAhy 926) cells.
• Cells exposed to varying concentrations of gentamicin and polyhexanide for six hours.
• Assessed cell viability, number, and alkaline phosphatase activity.

Main Results:

• Polyhexanide significantly reduced hFOB and endothelial cell viability and number.
• Gentamicin showed no adverse effects on cell viability or number.
• Both polyhexanide and gentamicin decreased osteogenic function (alkaline phosphatase activity) in hFOB cells.

Conclusions:

• Polyhexanide caused severe cell damage at concentrations with questionable antibacterial efficacy.
• High-dose gentamicin did not harm cells, contrasting with polyhexanide's effects.
• Findings question the use of antiseptics like polyhexanide in bone cement for arthroplasty infections; in vivo studies are needed.