Title : Development of an antibacterial membrane gel for prosthetic infections and investigation of vancomycin release kinetics
Abstract:
Prosthetic infections remain a significant complication in orthopedic implant applications, with the majority of these infections being caused by biofilm-forming bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Conventional treatment strategies often rely on systemic antibiotic administration, which may lead to suboptimal local drug concentrations and increased resistance risks. To address this, we propose a novel biocompatible and antibacterial membrane gel for local drug delivery, aiming to prevent prosthetic infections and minimize systemic antibiotic dependence.
This study focuses on the development of a crosslinked membrane gel using polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) and dimethacrylamide (DMA), with the incorporation of vancomycin, a broad- spectrum antibiotic effective against common pathogens responsible for prosthetic infections. The membrane gel is designed to be applied onto prosthetic surfaces, providing sustained local antibiotic release and inhibiting bacterial biofilm formation.
The membrane gel was synthesized using a radical polymerization initiator system, ensuring stable crosslinking and controlled drug entrapment. The release kinetics of vancomycin from the gel matrix were evaluated under different pH and temperature conditions, and the results were fitted to kinetic models such as zero-order, first-order, and Higuchi models to determine the best-fit release mechanism. Additionally, the antibacterial efficacy of the vancomycin-loaded membrane was assessed using an agar diffusion assay.
Our findings indicate that the developed membrane gel demonstrates sustained and controlled antibiotic release over an extended period, effectively inhibiting bacterial growth. Compared to traditional antibiotic spacers, this membrane gel offers the advantage of localized drug delivery without requiring additional surgical intervention for removal. Moreover, by reducing systemic antibiotic exposure, it may contribute to lowering the risks of antibiotic resistance and systemic side effects.
This presentation will discuss the synthesis and characterization of the PEGDMA-DMA-based antibacterial membrane gel, its controlled vancomycin release profile, and its potential clinical applications for preventing prosthetic infections. The implications of this technology in orthopedic and implantable medical devices will also be explored, highlighting its potential as an innovative approach for infection control in prosthetic surgery.
Keywords: PEGDMA, DMA, vancomycin, prosthetic infections, controlled release, antibacterial membrane.
