Gentamicin loaded β-tricalcium phosphate/gelatin composite microspheres as biodegradable bone fillers

Abstract

In this study, novel composite bone fillers with microspherical shape, biodegradable property, and antibacterial effect were designed and prepared. Various fillers with different beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP)/gelatin (G)/glutaraldeyde (GA) compositions were loaded with a model antibiotic, gentamicin. The effect of composition and preparation conditions on the release of gentamicin was investigated in in vitro conditions. Complete release were observed in 12 h for pure beta-TCP powder, and this period was extended up to 96 h as the gelatin content increased in the microspheres. Morphological and chemical structures of the microspheres, before and after the release studies, were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared, respectively. Antibacterial activities were examined against Escherichia coli by using disc diffusion method and promising results were obtained. It is proposed that these novel beta-TCP/G/GA microspheres can be applied locally to prevent and/or eliminate infection that might occur around a defected region of hard tissue and supports the healing process. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. (c) 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers