Vancomycin-Loaded, Nanohydroxyapatite-Based Scaffold for Osteomyelitis Treatment: In Vivo Rabbit Toxicological Tests...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Osteomyelitis treatment requires surgical debridement, antimicrobial agents, and bone reconstruction.
• Systemic antimicrobial side effects are a concern.
• Biomaterials offer local antimicrobial delivery and bone scaffolding, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate V-HEPHAPC (vancomycin-loaded heparinized nanohydroxyapatite/collagen biocomposite) as a local drug delivery system and bone substitute for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) osteomyelitis.
• To assess the in vivo safety and efficacy of V-HEPHAPC.

Main Methods:

• In vivo Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) toxicological tests were conducted in a rabbit model.
• V-HEPHAPC granules were used to treat MRSA osteomyelitis in a sheep model, evaluating their performance as a vancomycin carrier and bone substitute.

Main Results:

• Toxicological studies in rabbits confirmed no significant adverse effects of HEPHAPC and V-HEPHAPC.
• V-HEPHAPC demonstrated efficacy in controlling MRSA infection in a sheep osteomyelitis model.
• The biomaterial successfully served as a bone substitute, reconstructing the bone cavity.

Conclusions:

• V-HEPHAPC is a safe and effective biomaterial for local vancomycin delivery in osteomyelitis treatment.
• It acts as a viable bone substitute, facilitating bone cavity reconstruction.
• V-HEPHAPC presents a promising alternative to conventional osteomyelitis treatment, minimizing systemic drug exposure.