Multifunctional hydrogel based on silk fibroin/thermosensitive polymers supporting implant biomaterials in osteomyelitis

Abstract

The search for novel antibiotic-loaded biomaterials that support the management of osteomyelitis has been extensive in current years. This study developed multifunctional hydrogel to enhance the performance of osteo-conduction and antimicrobial as supporting implant materials for osteomyelitis treatment and prevention. Ciprofloxacin-loaded thermosensitive hydrogels composed of silk fibroin and poloxamers were prepared using the cold method. F1, F2, and F3 formulations resulted in gelation time of within 3 min under 37°C. Physical evaluation showed that the formulations, especially F3, had a proper swelling ratio and 82.34% biodegradability within 14 days. Ciprofloxacin from formulations exhibited an initial burst release within 24 h and continuous delivery, with more than 84% release over 14 days. Released antibiotics showed efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923 and eradicating activity against biofilms. Moreover, hydrogels had no cytotoxic effect on MC3T3-E1 cells with 93–106% cell viability. This multifunctional hydrogel showed a promising approach for supporting osteomyelitis treatment and prevention.