In vivo ciprofloxacin release from hydroxyapatite-based bone implants in rabbit tibia: a preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Pharmacology
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Bacterial bone infections like osteomyelitis pose significant treatment challenges.
• Effective local antibiotic delivery is crucial to combat infection and minimize systemic side effects.
• Hydroxyapatite (HAp) composites offer potential as drug delivery vehicles for bone regeneration and infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a preliminary evaluation of in vivo ciprofloxacin release from HAp-ciprofloxacin bone implants.
• To assess the local and systemic concentrations of ciprofloxacin following implantation in a rabbit tibia model.
• To determine the suitability of these implants for treating bacterial bone infections.

Main Methods:

• HAp-ciprofloxacin composite implants (2 × 2.5 mm) were fabricated using a precipitation technique with guar gum as a binder.
• Implants were surgically placed into artificial cortical bone defects in rabbit tibias.
• Ciprofloxacin concentrations in bone marrow and serum were quantified using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) at 3- and 6-day intervals post-implantation.

Main Results:

• Elevated local concentrations of ciprofloxacin were observed at the implantation site.
• Systemic exposure to ciprofloxacin was limited, indicating reduced risk of systemic toxicity.
• The HAp-ciprofloxacin implants demonstrated sustained drug release in vivo.

Conclusions:

• HAp-ciprofloxacin bone implants show promise for localized antibiotic delivery in treating bone infections.
• The observed release profile suggests potential for effective management of osteomyelitis with reduced systemic adverse effects.
• These findings support the preliminary suitability of HAp-ciprofloxacin implants for orthopedic applications requiring infection control.