GS/DBM/PLA porous composite biomaterial for the treatment of infective femoral condyle defect in rats

Abstract

A bone defect resulting from open bone trauma may easily become infected; however, the administration of efficacious systemic antibiotics cannot be performed at safe levels. Previous studies have investigated anti.infective biomaterials that incorporate into bone and facilitate the direct application of high.concentration local antibiotics. In the present study, the effect of a novel porous composite with gentamicin sulfate (GS) in treating infected femoral condyle defects was investigated using a rat model. A novel porous composite biomaterial was prepared based on a supercritical carbon dioxide fluid technique that combined GS, demineralized bone matrix (DBM) and polylactic acid (PLA). A rat femoral condyle fracture model of infection was established. The GS/DBM/PLA composite biomaterial was implanted and its physicochemical characteristics, biocompatibility and ability to facilitate repair of infected bone defect were assessed. The GS/DBM/PLA composite biomaterial maintained the antibiotic activity of GS, with good anti.compression strength, porosity and biocompatibility. The results of the animal experiments indicated that the GS/DBM/PLA composite biomaterial exerted marked anti.infective effects and facilitated bone defect repair, while simultaneously controlling infection. Porous GS/DBM/PLA is therefore a promising composite biomaterial for use in bone tissue engineering.