Different concentrations of vancomycin with gentamicin loaded PMMA to inhibit biofilm formation of Staphylococcus

Marco Antonio Pedroni1, Victoria Stadler Tasca Ribeiro1, Juliette Cieslinski1

  • 1Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, 80215-901, Brazil.

Abstract

Insights

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) loaded with vancomycin and gentamicin effectively reduced Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation. The combination of vancomycin 4g and gentamicin 500mg showed the most significant inhibitory effect against bacterial growth.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is widely used in orthopedic surgery.
  • Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen causing implant-associated infections.
  • Antibiotic-loaded PMMA is employed to prevent and treat such infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of vancomycin and gentamicin loaded PMMA against Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation.
  • To determine the optimal concentrations of vancomycin and gentamicin for inhibiting bacterial growth in PMMA.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative analysis of biofilm cells (colony forming units per mL).
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for biofilm visualization.
  • Viability assays, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and checkerboard assays.
  • Statistical analysis using Mann Whitney test (p < 0.05).

Main Results:

  • All tested concentrations of vancomycin and gentamicin loaded PMMA significantly reduced bacterial colony forming units (p < 0.05).
  • Gentamicin-loaded PMMA demonstrated significant inhibition of sessile cell growth.
  • The combination of vancomycin 4g + gentamicin 500mg yielded the best results in reducing bacterial load.
  • Checkerboard analysis indicated a synergistic effect between vancomycin and gentamicin.

Conclusions:

  • PMMA loaded with vancomycin and gentamicin, particularly at concentrations of 4g and 500mg respectively, effectively inhibits Staphylococcus aureus adherence and development.
  • A synergistic effect between vancomycin and gentamicin can be leveraged in antibiotic-loaded cement formulations.
  • This approach holds promise for preventing and treating implant-associated S. aureus infections.

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