Dual antibiotic PLGA microspheres for the treatment of traumatic osteomyelitis

Abstract Traumatic osteomyelitis (TO) treatment remains challenging due to biofilm formation and poor antibiotic penetration. We developed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres co-loaded with moxifloxacin/rifampicin (M/R-P) to address these limitations. Key findings: In vitro: The micros...

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Main Authors: Liangguo Si, Wenping Zhang, Haifeng Jiang, Haiqiang Ma, Xu Ma, Peijie Zhao, Huanhuan Sun, Zhipeng Yang, Zewen Qiao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-08-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-14824-0
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Summary:Abstract Traumatic osteomyelitis (TO) treatment remains challenging due to biofilm formation and poor antibiotic penetration. We developed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres co-loaded with moxifloxacin/rifampicin (M/R-P) to address these limitations. Key findings: In vitro: The microspheres showed (1) no cytotoxicity (CCK-8 assay; live/dead staining; cytoskeletal staining; SEM visualization), and (2) no inhibition of osteogenic potential (ALP activity).In vivo: M/R-P microspheres significantly reduced MRSA burden ( 8 ± 3 × 10³ CFU/g) compared to debridement-only controls (3143 ± 727 × 10³ CFU/g; p < 0.0001), and near-complete infection resolution (histopathology). Conclusion: These results demonstrate that the M/R-P microspheres possess excellent safety profiles, favorable cytocompatibility, and remarkable antibacterial efficacy. The findings confirm the feasibility of our innovative approach using PLGA as a drug delivery carrier for localized antibiotic therapy in chronic osteomyelitis treatment, achieved through technological optimization for combined antibiotic administration. This provides a novel strategic direction for ultimately overcoming the clinical challenge of traumatic osteomyelitis.
ISSN:2045-2322