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Published on: December 23, 2016
A surface-eroding antibiotic delivery system based on poly-(trimethylene carbonate).
Otto S Kluin1, Henny C van der Mei, Henk J Busscher
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen, and University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
Poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) shows promise for local antibiotic delivery in bone infections. This biodegradable polymer facilitates high antibiotic release, especially larger molecules like vancomycin, when surface erosion is induced.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Biodegradable polymers are crucial for local antibiotic delivery in bone infections to prevent adverse bone reactions.
- Poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) is a biocompatible polymer that does not produce acidic byproducts during degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of PTMC as a polymer for local antibiotic delivery in bone infections.
- To investigate the degradation behavior and antibiotic release profiles of PTMC with different degradation rates.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study comparing PTMC168 (slow degradation) and PTMC339 (fast degradation) discs.
- Assessment of gentamicin and vancomycin release in the absence and presence of lipase.
- Analysis of polymer degradation via surface erosion and diffusion mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Gentamicin release was diffusion-controlled without lipase; vancomycin release was limited.
- PTMC exhibited surface erosion only in the presence of lipase.
- High concentrations of both antibiotics, including vancomycin, were released from PTMC with lipase via surface erosion and diffusion.
Conclusions:
- PTMC is a suitable biodegradable polymer for local antibiotic delivery in bone infections.
- Surface-eroding biodegradable polymers offer an advantage for releasing larger antibiotic molecules.
- Lipase-induced surface erosion enhances antibiotic release from PTMC systems.
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