A programmed release multi-drug implant fabricated by three-dimensional printing technology for bone tuberculosis...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Orthopedics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Bone tuberculosis remains a significant clinical challenge due to treatment difficulties.
• Current therapeutic strategies often face limitations in drug delivery and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel 3D-printed, multi-drug implant for targeted bone tuberculosis therapy.
• To investigate the programmed drug release profile and cytocompatibility of the implant.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a multi-layered concentric cylinder implant using 3D printing technology.
• Sequential distribution of isoniazid and rifampicin into distinct layers of the implant.
• In vitro and in vivo drug release assays and cytocompatibility testing with rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed implant demonstrated orderly, sequential release of isoniazid and rifampicin from outer to inner layers.
• Peak drug concentrations were observed at 8 to 12-day intervals, forming a multi-drug therapeutic alliance.
• The implant exhibited excellent cytocompatibility, with no observed negative effects on stem cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed programmed release multi-drug implant offers an innovative approach for bone tuberculosis treatment.
• The implant's controlled drug release kinetics and favorable cytocompatibility suggest its potential for preventing and treating bone tuberculosis.