Three-Dimensional Melted Electrowriting Drug Coating Fibers for the Prevention of Device-Associated Infections: A Pilot Study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Martins, JP (Author) Other; da Silva, ET (Author) FEUP; Fernandes, AA (Author) Other; Sofia Costa de Oliveira (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Bioengineering

Vol. 11

Final page: 636

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-010-Q8J

DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11070636

Abstract (EN): Medical device-related infections (DRIs), especially prevalent among critically ill patients, impose significant health and economic burdens and are mainly caused by bacteria. Severe infections often necessitate device removal when antibiotic therapy is inefficient, delaying recovery. To tackle this issue, PCL drug-eluting coated meshes were explored, and they were printed via melt electrowriting (MEW). These meshes were coated with gentamicin sulfate (GS) and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) and underwent FTIR analysis to confirm drug integration. Antimicrobial activity was assessed via agar diffusion assays and biofilm formation assays against bacterial strains: Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300, and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984. FTIR analysis evidenced the presence of the drugs in the meshes. TCH displayed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against all strains, whereas GS was effective against all except S. aureus. These findings indicate the potential of cost-effective ultra-fine drug coating fibers for medical device applications, offering infection prevention during implantation. This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of producing drug-eluting fibers for DRI prevention through a non-toxic, fast, and cost-efficient technique, paving the way for enhanced patient care and reduced healthcare costs.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9