Blood Clots Used as Natural Biomaterials for Antibiotic Delivery in Vitro

Introduction: The search for an optimal drug delivery system capable of addressing a wide range of wounds and defects in regenerative medicine remains a challenge. Blood clots (BCs) have been implicated as a promising candidate due to their natural occurrence, autologous nature, and potential for tissue repair. The aim of this study is to investigate BC as a vehicle for antibiotic delivery and its effectiveness in infection control.

Methods: BCs derived from murine and porcine models were used to study the in vitro release of gentamicin and vancomycin over a 7-d period. Moreover, BCs conjugated with mesenchymal stem cells and these antibiotics were assessed for antimicrobial activity via microdilution and agar well diffusion, and quantification of vascular endothelial growth factor release through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Conjugated BCs maintained a sustained release of gentamicin and vancomycin throughout the 7-d period. Functional tests confirmed antimicrobial activity with zones of inhibition comparable to antibiotic controls. Vascular endothelial growth factor quantification revealed a pronounced and sustained release, especially from BCs conjugated with male mesenchymal stem cells, suggesting a gender influence on therapeutic outcomes. This sex-specific variance underscores the need for tailored therapeutic approaches in regenerative medicine applications.

Conclusions: We demonstrated the remarkable potential of BC as a drug delivery system through sustained antibiotic and growth factor release, both of which are key in preventing infection and promoting tissue regeneration. The ease and cost effectiveness of BC preparation as well as its favorable federal regulatory profile support the potential translational application of BCs as a natural biomaterial in regenerative medicine.