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pH-Dependent Release of Vancomycin from Modularly Assembled Collagen Laminates
Michelle Fiona Kilb1, Ulrike Ritz2, Daniela Nickel3
1Clemens-Schöpf-Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 8, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
Polymers
|December 11, 2022
Summary
This study shows that pH affects vancomycin release rates from collagen biomaterials, not the total amount released. Acidic conditions significantly delay release due to increased swelling, impacting antibiotic delivery for surgical site infection prevention.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a major concern.
- Collagen-based biomaterials offer potential for localized antibiotic delivery.
- Controlling antibiotic release kinetics is crucial for effective SSI prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying pH on vancomycin release from collagen laminates.
- To assess how pH influences the swelling and degradation of collagen carriers.
- To inform the design of collagen-based drug delivery systems for wound healing.
Main Methods:
- Development of on-site assembled collagen laminates.
- Utilized additively manufactured sample holders for controlled experiments.
- Quantified vancomycin release using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).
- Evaluated release profiles at acidic (pH 5.5), physiological (pH 7.4), and alkaline (pH 8.5) conditions.
Main Results:
- pH did not significantly alter the total percentage of vancomycin released.
- Acidic pH (5.5) increased collagen sponge swelling, retarding release by 2-3 hours.
- Alkaline pH (8.5) caused a 1-2 hour delay in compound release without significant swelling changes.
- Bilayer laminate release profiles showed similar pH-dependent temporal shifts.
Conclusions:
- The pH-dependent swelling of collagen significantly impacts the *rate* of vancomycin release, not the total amount.
- These findings are critical for optimizing collagen laminate design for localized antibiotic delivery in wound care.
- Consideration of local pH variations during wound healing is essential for effective therapeutic outcomes.

