Altering polymerization temperature of antibiotic-laden cement can increase porosity and subsequent antibiotic elution.

Abstract

To examine the role of polymerization temperature on the cement porosity and antibiotic elution to optimize antibiotic release from antibiotic-laden cement (ABLC). Elution profiles of vancomycin and tobramycin from ABLC discs prepared with low- and high-dose antibiotic dosages, cured at 8, 21, and 37°C, and placed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C were examined. Samples were collected at one, four, eight, 24, 72, 168, 336, and 1008 hours to calculate the quantity of antibiotic eluted. Porosity was determined by MicroCT analysis. ABLC porosity and antibiotic elution were increased up to five times the amount eluted from room temperature discs (p < 0.05). Low-dose ABLC group saw decreased but similar porosity at 8°C and 21°C compared to cement cured at 37°C (p < 0.001). High-dose ABLC group porosities were all significantly different (p < 0.02). Altering the polymerization temperature of ABLC led to more porous constructs yielding increased antibiotic elution.