Vancomycin-Loaded Nano Bovine Hydroxyapatite-Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-Polyethylene Glycol Nanofibers for Controlled Drug Delivery: Design, Characterization, and Kinetic Modeling
Abstract
Bone fractures and orthopedic surgical interventions are associated with an increased risk of osteomyelitis, necessitating effective antibiotic therapy. However, systemic antibiotic administration is often limited by poor drug penetration due to tissue devascularization at the fracture site and the formation of bacterial biofilms, which further contribute to antimicrobial resistance and systemic toxicity. Consequently, localized drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations. This study aimed to fabricate vancomycin (VAN)-loaded nanofiber implants based on a nano bovine hydroxyapatite (NBHA)–poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)–polyethylene glycol (PEG) matrix with optimized physicochemical properties and a sustained release profile over 28 days. The nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning using an optimized formulation derived from a prior Design of Experiments (DoE) study. The resulting nanofibers exhibited uniform morphology, with an average fiber diameter of 91.42± 0.85 nm and a tensile strength of 2.152±0.289 MPa, indicating suitable mechanical properties. In vitro release studies demonstrated a sustained release profile with a dissolution efficiency of 67.74% over 28 days. The release kinetics were best described by the Peppas–Sahlin model during the initial phase and transitioned to the Higuchi model at later stages, suggesting a combination of diffusion- and polymer relaxation-controlled mechanisms. Overall, VAN-loaded NBHA–PLGA–PEG nanofiber implants demonstrate significant potential as a localized and controlled drug delivery platform for osteomyelitis therapy while concurrently supporting bone regeneration.
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