Extracellular matrix scaffold crosslinked with vancomycin for multifunctional antibacterial bone infection therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Infectious Diseases
• Orthopedic Surgery

Background:

• Bone infections are challenging due to biofilms and dormant bacteria.
• Current treatments struggle with chronic infections and biofilm formation.
• Developing multifunctional materials is crucial for effective bone infection therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and evaluate a novel vancomycin-crosslinked demineralized extracellular cancellous bone (SDECM) scaffold (Van-SDECM) for multifunctional bone infection therapy.
• To investigate the in vitro and in vivo anti-infective and osteogenic properties of Van-SDECM.
• To explore the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Van-SDECM.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Van-SDECM via electrostatic interactions and chemical bonds.
• In vitro assessment of pH-sensitive release, biofilm inhibition, and sustained bactericidal activity.
• In vivo evaluation using an infectious bone defect model in animals.
• Analysis of osteogenic performance, osteoclast activity, and immunoregulation.

Main Results:

• Van-SDECM demonstrated pH-sensitive vancomycin release and effective biofilm inhibition in vitro.
• The scaffold exhibited sustained bactericidal ability and favorable osteogenic performance.
• In vivo studies confirmed the comprehensive anti-infective and osteogenic capabilities of Van-SDECM.
• Mechanisms include pH-sensitive sterilization, scaffold contact killing, osteoclast inhibition, and osteogenesis promotion.

Conclusions:

• Van-SDECM is a promising multifunctional material for treating bone infections.
• The material effectively combats biofilms, promotes bone regeneration, and modulates the immune response.
• This study presents a novel drug-scaffold composite preparation method using native-derived extracellular matrix.