Vancomycin-impregnated polymer on Schanz pin for prolonged release and antibacterial application

Abstract

© 2018 Elsevier B.V. Bacterial infection in Schanz pins is a major problem in orthopedic surgery. Infection is mostly caused by gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. In this study, vancomycin and poly (lactic acid) were chosen as an antibacterial agent and polymer matrix, respectively for the antibacterial coating on Schanz pins. Schanz pins were dip-coated and the release profile of vancomycin from the coating in the PBS at pH 7.4 was evaluated. The degradation of the coating in PBS at pH 7.4 was observed by scanning electron microscope. The concentration of vancomycin released from the coating was higher than the MIC level of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) for at least 44 days. Scanning electron microscope showed that the coating was degraded gradually in PBS. The outer surface of the coating showed much faster degradation than that of the inner surface. The antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Results show that vancomycin release from the coating was able to provide the growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus up to 1 month. These results demonstrate that the surface coating of vancomycin and poly (lactic acid) was successful in inhibiting the growth of gram-positive bacteria on Schanz pins.