In vitro/in vivo evaluation of the efficacy of gatifloxacine-loaded PLGA and hydroxyapatite composite for treating osteomyelitis.

Molten 10 wt% gatifloxacine (GLFX-loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) was introduced into three-dimensionally interconnected pores and onto the surfaces of hydroxyapatite (HA) granules. The composite granules exhibited clinically sufficient bactericidal activities against Streptococcus milleri and Bacteroides fragilis from 3 h to 10 days. The composite granules were implanted in bone defects created by debridement of osteomyelitis lesions in rabbit mandibles. After 4-week implantation, inflammation in the composite granule-implanted group was significantly smaller than that in the debridement group (p<0.05). Moreover, newly formed bone was observed in the pores and on the surface of HA granules of the composite. These findings show that GFLX/HA composite controls bacterial infection and supports bone regeneration for osteomyelitis treatment.