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Antibiotic-loaded chitosan film for infection prevention: A preliminary in vitro characterization
J Keaton Smith1, Joel D Bumgardner, Harry S Courtney
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA. jksmith@memphis.edu
Abstract:
The growing infection rate by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, especially with bone fracture fixation implants, is a major concern in extremity musculoskeletal wound treatment. This preliminary investigation evaluates the ability of chitosan film to be loaded with daptomycin and vancomycin in the operating room, in situ loading, and applied to musculoskeletal fixation devices to lessen or prevent infection. Films with 61, 71, and 80% degrees of deacetylation (DDA) made using lactic or acetic acid solvents were analyzed for their antibiotic uptake, elution, and activity along with film swelling ratio, ultimate tensile strength, Young's modulus, adhesive strength, and degradation. Chitosan films after 1 min of rehydration were able in a simulated, clinical setting to maintain mechanical integrity and adhesive strength to be applied to bone fracture fixation devices or implant surfaces. The film percent degradation increased with DDA increasing from 61 to 80%, but film degradation rate decreased in the presence of antibiotics. Eighty percent DDA chitosan films were optimal for absorbing and eluting antibiotics. Antibiotics eluted by the films were active against Staphylococcus aureus. These findings indicate that an 80% DDA chitosan film is potentially advantageous as a clinically adjunctive treatment in musculoskeletal injuries to lessen or prevent infections.
Insights
Chitosan films loaded with antibiotics can be applied during surgery to prevent infections from implants. An 80% deacetylation degree (DDA) chitosan film shows promise for reducing implant-associated infections in bone fracture treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Infectious Disease Research
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are a significant concern in treating extremity musculoskeletal wounds, particularly with bone fracture fixation implants.
- Developing effective strategies to prevent or treat these infections in a clinical setting is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential of chitosan films for in situ antibiotic loading (daptomycin and vancomycin) in the operating room.
- To assess the efficacy of these antibiotic-loaded chitosan films when applied to musculoskeletal fixation devices to prevent infection.
Main Methods:
- Chitosan films with varying degrees of deacetylation (61%, 71%, 80% DDA) were prepared using lactic or acetic acid solvents.
- Analysis included antibiotic uptake, elution, and activity against Staphylococcus aureus, alongside mechanical properties (tensile strength, Young's modulus, adhesive strength), swelling ratio, and degradation.
- Film performance was evaluated in a simulated clinical setting after 1 minute of rehydration.
Main Results:
- Chitosan films maintained mechanical integrity and adhesive strength for application to fixation devices after brief rehydration.
- Higher DDA (80%) correlated with optimal antibiotic absorption and elution.
- Eluted antibiotics demonstrated activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and film degradation decreased in the presence of antibiotics.
Conclusions:
- An 80% DDA chitosan film is effective for in situ antibiotic loading and elution.
- These films show potential as an adjunctive treatment to reduce or prevent infections associated with musculoskeletal injuries and implants.
