Sustained Antibiotic Release from Biodegradable Gelatin–Silica Hybrid for Orthopedic Infections

• Published in: Advanced functional materials 2024-12, Vol.34 (49), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Lin, Yu‐Chien, Lee, Chin‐Yun, Jones, Julian R., Liu, Wai‐Ching, Cho, Nam‐Joon, Hu, Chih‐Chien, Chung, Ren‐Jei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: antibacterial activity; Antibiotics; biodegradable; Bonding strength; bone filler; Bursting strength; Compressive strength; Covalent bonds; Gelatin; gelatin–silica hybrid; long‐term antibiotic release; Orthopedics; Polymethyl methacrylate; Prostheses; Silicon dioxide
• ISSN: 1616-301X; 1616-3028
• DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202409491

Antibiotic‐loaded polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) beads are commonly employed to treat prosthetic joint infections (PJI) and chronic osteomyelitis due to their excellent mechanical strength. However, PMMA's non‐degradability results in a burst release of antibiotics and potential renal toxicity, necessitating additional surgeries for bead removal. There is a critical need for infection control materials that can deliver antibiotics effectively, maintain adequate mechanical strength, and degrade uniformly. This study introduces a gelatin–silica hybrid antibiotic carrier, characterized by covalent bonds between the gelatin and silica networks. The incorporation of the silica network enhances the compressive strength to 32.53 ± 2.4 MPa and ensures uniform degradation over 6 months, aligning with clinical timelines. Furthermore, the gelatin–silica hybrid can support up to 10 wt% antibiotic loading without compromising its properties, making it a promising candidate for next‐generation infection control materials. A gelatin–silica hybrid is developed as a carrier to facilitate controlled degradation and ensure the sustained, homogeneous release of antibiotics. Concurrently, it offers exceptional mechanical properties for the management of orthopedic infections.