Vancomycin release from poly(D,L-lactic acid) spray-coated hydroxyapatite fibers

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Infectious Disease Research

Background:

• Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a promising carrier for antibiotic delivery.
• Controlling drug release kinetics is crucial for effective treatment.
• Poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) is a biocompatible polymer used for drug encapsulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of PDLLA coating thickness on vancomycin release from HA fibers.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of vancomycin-loaded HA fibers against MRSA.
• To determine if PDLLA coating can modulate antibiotic release profiles.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microporous HA fibers using diffusion-induced phase separation.
• Loading HA fibers with vancomycin hydrochloride (VH).
• Applying spray coating to deposit PDLLA layers of varying thicknesses (6.5–28 μm).
• In vitro release studies of VH.
• Microbiological assays against MRSA isolates.

Main Results:

• VH release rate was significantly influenced by PDLLA coating thickness.
• Thinner coatings (6.5 μm) showed complete release within 14 days.
• Thicker coatings (28 μm) exhibited sustained release (23% after 28 days).
• Released vancomycin demonstrated potential to inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation.

Conclusions:

• PDLLA coating thickness is a critical factor in controlling vancomycin release from HA fibers.
• Adjustable drug release profiles can be achieved by modifying coating thickness.
• The study highlights the potential of these functionalized HA fibers for combating MRSA infections.