Antimicrobial effects of nanofiber poly(caprolactone) tissue scaffolds releasing rifampicin

J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2012 Jun;23(6):1411-20. doi: 10.1007/s10856-012-4609-3. Epub 2012 Mar 10.

Abstract

This study quantified the antibiotic release kinetics and subsequent bactericidal efficacy of rifampicin (RIF) against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria under in vitro static conditions. Antibiotic-loaded scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning poly(caprolactone) (PCL) with 10% or 20% (w/w) RIF. Scaffold fiber diameter and RIF loading were characterized, and RIF release kinetics were measured. RIF-releasing and RIF-free scaffolds were inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis, and the suspended concentration live and dead bacteria were determined by fluorescent microscopy. Adherent bacteria and biofilm formation were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Mean fiber diameters were 557 ± 399 nm for RIF-free, 402 ± 225 nm for 10% RIF, and 665 ± 402 nm for 20% RIF scaffolds. RIF release kinetics exhibited a short-burst release during the first hour, followed by a 7 h, zero-order release during which both RIF scaffolds released ~50% of their initial RIF mass loading. P. aeruginosa and S. epidermidis suspended cell populations proliferated in accordance with logarithmic growth models when exposed to control scaffolds; however both RIF-containing scaffolds completely inhibited bacterial growth in suspension and, subsequently, prevented biofilm formation within the scaffolds through the first 6 h.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Bacterial Adhesion / drug effects
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Biofilms / drug effects
  • Biofilms / growth & development
  • Humans
  • Materials Testing
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Nanofibers / chemistry*
  • Nanofibers / ultrastructure
  • Polyesters / chemistry*
  • Prosthesis-Related Infections / prevention & control
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / physiology
  • Rifampin / administration & dosage*
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis / drug effects
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis / physiology
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polyesters
  • polycaprolactone
  • Rifampin