Elution of High Dose Amphotericin B Deoxycholate From Polymethylmethacrylate
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026
Candida albicans Biofilm Chip CaBChip for High-throughput Antifungal Drug Screening
Published on: July 18, 2012
Matthew T Houdek1, Kerryl E Greenwood-Quaintance2, Mark E Morrey1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Abstract:
Fungal periprosthetic joint infections are rare, devastating complications of arthroplasty. There is conflicting evidence as to the efficacy of amphotericin B elution from cement spacers. The purpose of this study was to determine whether concentrations of amphotericin B released from bone cement over time would be efficacious in treating a periprosthetic infection. A continuous flow chamber was used to evaluate the in vitro release of amphotericin from cement beads containing 7.5% amphotericin. Following polymerization, 3.3% of the initially loaded amphotericin B was detected. The peak mean concentration eluted from the bone cement was 0.33 μg/mL at 8 hours. The AUC0-24 was 2.79 μg/mL/h; 0.20% of the amphotericin B was released. In conclusion, amphotericin B is released from bone cement at a clinically useful concentration.
Insights
This study found that amphotericin B released from bone cement can reach clinically useful concentrations for treating fungal periprosthetic joint infections. This offers a potential strategy for managing these rare but severe complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fungal periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are severe complications following arthroplasty.
- Evidence regarding the efficacy of amphotericin B elution from cement spacers is conflicting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if amphotericin B concentrations released from bone cement are effective for treating PJI.
- To assess the in vitro release profile of amphotericin B from bone cement.
Main Methods:
- Bone cement beads containing 7.5% amphotericin B were prepared.
- A continuous flow chamber was used to evaluate in vitro drug release over time.
Main Results:
- Following polymerization, 3.3% of the initial amphotericin B load was detected.
- The peak mean concentration eluted was 0.33 μg/mL at 8 hours.
- The area under the curve (AUC0-24) was 2.79 μg/mL/h, with 0.20% of the total drug released.
Conclusions:
- Amphotericin B is released from bone cement at concentrations considered clinically useful.
- This suggests a potential therapeutic application for amphotericin B-loaded bone cement in managing fungal PJI.
