Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026
Biological Compatibility Profile on Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration
Published on: November 16, 2018
Resorbable bioactive ceramic for treatment of bone infection
Ahmed El-Ghannam1, Kiarash Jahed, Meera Govindaswami
1Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, USA. arelgha@uncc.edu
Abstract:
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads have been widely used in the treatment of bone infection over the last three decades. Although PMMA does offer a mechanism to quickly and effectively administer a localized dose of antibiotic to the site of infection, its efficacy is limited by its nonresorbability and nonbioactivity. Resorbable bioactive silica-calcium phosphate nanocomposite (SCPC75) was investigated as a novel controlled release carrier of vancomycin for the treatment of osteomyelitis. SCPC75 particles adsorbed significantly higher amount of vancomycin compared with PMMA. Moreover, SCPC75 provided a sustained release kinetics of therapeutic dose of vancomycin up to 35 days. The novel resorbable ceramic was able to release 95.5% of the adsorbed drug in an average dose of 12 microg/mL/day over 480 h (35 days). In conjunction with the sustained drug release, a controlled dissolution rate that led to 40% mass loss of SCPC75 was observed. On the other hand, PMMA provided a sustained release of a therapeutic dose of vancomycin for 14 days after which minimal concentration of the drug was detected. Moreover, PMMA retained 32% of the drug adsorbed onto its surface. The SCPC-vancomycin implant can serve a dual function: provide a sustained therapeutic dose of antibiotic to eradicate infection and stimulate bone cell differentiation and new bone formation. (c) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010.
Insights
A novel resorbable silica-calcium phosphate nanocomposite (SCPC75) shows promise for treating osteomyelitis by providing sustained vancomycin release for 35 days, unlike nonresorbable polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). SCPC75 also stimulates bone formation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads are used for localized antibiotic delivery in bone infections but are nonresorbable and nonbioactive.
- Limitations of PMMA include its inability to resorb or stimulate bone growth, necessitating alternative materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate a resorbable bioactive silica-calcium phosphate nanocomposite (SCPC75) as a novel controlled-release carrier for vancomycin in osteomyelitis treatment.
- To compare the vancomycin adsorption, release kinetics, and degradation properties of SCPC75 with PMMA.
Main Methods:
- Vancomycin adsorption capacity of SCPC75 and PMMA was measured.
- In vitro drug release studies were conducted over 35 days to determine release kinetics.
- Dissolution rate and mass loss of SCPC75 were analyzed.
- Drug retention by PMMA was quantified.
Main Results:
- SCPC75 adsorbed significantly more vancomycin than PMMA.
- SCPC75 demonstrated sustained release of vancomycin for up to 35 days (95.5% release, ~12 microg/mL/day).
- PMMA provided sustained release for only 14 days and retained 32% of the drug.
Conclusions:
- SCPC75 offers superior vancomycin delivery compared to PMMA, with sustained release and controlled degradation.
- The SCPC-vancomycin implant has a dual function: eradicating infection and promoting bone regeneration.
- This resorbable nanocomposite represents a promising advancement for osteomyelitis treatment.
