Abstract 6: Topical Antibiotic Elution In A Collagen-rich Hydrogel: Limiting Systemic Exposure To Antibiotics For Healing Of Infected Wounds

Abstract

Purpose: Chronic wounds have become a prominent concern in the face of rising rates of obesity, peripheral vascular disease, and diabetes. Biofilms have been implicated in delayed wound closure. A novel collagen-rich hydrogel derived from human extracellular matrix presents an avenue for treating chronic wounds by providing appropriate extracellular proteins for healing and promoting neovascularization. Using the hydrogel as a delivery system for localized secretion of therapeutic dosage of antibiotics presents an attractive means of maximizing delivery while minimizing systemic side-effects. Methods: The authors investigated the elution of antibiotics from the collagen-rich hydrogel, and the efficacy of the treatment in disrupting biofilm in multiple models using Pseudomonas Aerginosa. Growth inhibition, biofilm disruption, and mammalian cell cytotoxicity were quantified. Results: The antibiotic-loaded hydrogel showed sustained release of antibiotics for up to 24 hours at therapeutic levels. The treatment inhibited bacteria growth and disrupted biofilm at multiple time points. The hydrogel was capable of accommodating various classes of antibiotics and did not result in cytotoxicity in mammalian fibroblasts or adipose stem cells Conclusions: An antibiotic-loaded collagen-rich hydrogel is capable of controlled antibiotic release without local cell death. A human-derived hydrogel possessing essential proteins for wound repair that is capable of eluting therapeutic levels of antibiotic is an exciting prospect in the field of chronic wound healing.