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Poly(trimethylene carbonate) as a carrier for rifampicin and vancomycin to target therapy-recalcitrant staphylococcal

Otto S Kluin1, Henk J Busscher1, Daniëlle Neut2

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713, AV Groningen, The Netherlands.

Journal of Orthopaedic Research : Official Publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society
|February 16, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Local antibiotic delivery using poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) shows promise for osteomyelitis treatment. PTMC loaded with rifampicin and vancomycin effectively inhibited biofilms from resistant bacteria, offering a better alternative to standard therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

  • Standard antibiotic therapy is often ineffective for osteomyelitis caused by resistant bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE), and small-colony variants (SCV).
  • Local drug delivery systems offer a potential solution for enhanced treatment efficacy in challenging osteomyelitis cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the antibiotic release kinetics from biodegradable poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) carriers.
  • To evaluate the in vitro biofilm inhibition efficacy of PTMC loaded with various antibiotic combinations against MRSA, MRSE, and S. aureus SCV strains.

Main Methods:

  • Antibiotic release kinetics were studied over 24, 72, and 168 hours.
  • In vitro biofilm inhibition was assessed using colony-forming unit counts and MTT metabolic activity assays.
  • Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used for qualitative biofilm analysis.

Main Results:

  • Poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) demonstrated suitability as a carrier for rifampicin, both alone and in combination with other antibiotics.
  • PTMC loaded with rifampicin and vancomycin significantly inhibited biofilm formation (p < 0.05) for all tested strains, particularly after 168 hours.
  • Gentamicin-loaded PTMC showed no significant biofilm inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • Poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) loaded with rifampicin and vancomycin is a promising local drug delivery strategy for treating recalcitrant osteomyelitis.
  • This approach offers superior efficacy compared to standard antibiotic therapy for infections involving resistant Staphylococcus strains.
Keywords:
MRSAbiodegradable carrierbiofilmosteomyelitisrifampicin

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