Cefazolin Loaded Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose/Polycaprolactone Bilayered Composite for Use as Potential...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Materials Engineering
• Infectious Disease Research

Background:

• The dura mater is a vital membrane protecting the brain and spinal cord.
• Infection is a significant complication following dural substitute implantation.
• Developing effective antibacterial dural substitutes is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of oxidized regenerated cellulose/polycaprolactone (ORC/PCL) bilayered composites as antibacterial dural substitutes.
• To evaluate the effect of cefazolin loading on the physical, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of the ORC/PCL composite.
• To assess the in vitro drug release profile and antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of ORC/PCL bilayered composites with varying cefazolin concentrations (25-100 mg/mL).
• Characterization of microstructure, density, thickness, and tensile properties.
• In vitro assessment of cefazolin release kinetics in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF).
• Evaluation of antibacterial activity against S. aureus.

Main Results:

• Cefazolin loading altered the microstructure of the ORC/PCL composite and increased its density while decreasing thickness.
• Tensile modulus increased with higher cefazolin concentrations, but tensile strength and strain at break decreased.
• The composite exhibited an initial burst release of cefazolin followed by sustained release, providing antibacterial activity for up to 4 days.

Conclusions:

• ORC/PCL bilayered composites can be effectively loaded with cefazolin.
• These modified composites demonstrate promising antibacterial properties and controlled drug release, suitable for dural substitution.
• The findings suggest ORC/PCL composites are a viable platform for developing antibacterial synthetic dura mater, potentially reducing infection rates.