Injectable vancomycin-conjugated polysaccharide-protein hydrogel for targeted antibacterial therapy in...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Infectious Diseases
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Musculoskeletal infections, especially MRSA, pose significant challenges due to antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation.
• Current treatments like bone cement have limitations in sustained drug delivery and retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an injectable, biodegradable, thermoresponsive vancomycin-loaded hydrogel for localized and sustained antibacterial drug delivery.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this novel hydrogel against MRSA infections.

Main Methods:

• A vancomycin-loaded hydrogel (GLT/HA/GP + VA) was synthesized using genipin-crosslinked gelatin and hyaluronic acid.
• In vitro studies assessed gelation, drug release kinetics, cytocompatibility, antibacterial efficacy, and antibiofilm activity.
• In vivo studies utilized MRI and histology to evaluate biodegradation, drug retention, and inflammatory response.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel demonstrated in situ gelation at 37°C and sustained vancomycin release over 72 hours.
• In vitro, the hydrogel showed excellent cytocompatibility, significant antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy against S. aureus, and superior performance to bone cement.
• In vivo studies confirmed progressive biodegradation, sustained local drug retention, minimal inflammation, and no systemic toxicity.

Conclusions:

• The vancomycin-loaded GLT/HA/GP + VA hydrogel is a promising platform for localized and sustained antimicrobial therapy.
• This novel biomaterial offers a potential solution for managing challenging musculoskeletal infections, particularly those caused by MRSA.
• The hydrogel's favorable properties, including biodegradability and sustained drug release, highlight its therapeutic potential.