Multilayer, degradable coating as a carrier for the sustained release of antibiotics: Preparation and antimicrobial efficacy in vitro

One of the most critical post-surgical complications is mesh-related infection. This paper describes how a commercially available polypropylene (PP) mesh was modified to minimize the risk of post-implantation infection. A dual drug-release coating was created around mesh filaments using an airbrush spray system. This coating was composed of three layers containing ofloxacin and rifampicin dispersed in a degradable polymer reservoir made up of [poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(DL-lactic acid) (PLA)]. Drug release kinetics were managed by varying the structure of the degradable polymer and the multilayer coating. In vitro, this new drug delivery polymer system was seen to be more rapidly invaded by fibroblasts than was the initial PP mesh. Active mesh showed excellent antibacterial properties with regard to microorganism adhesion, biofilm formation and the periprosthetic inhibition of bacterial growth. Sustained release of the two antibiotics from the coated mesh prevented mesh contamination for at least 72 h. This triple-layer coating technology is potentially of great interest for it can be easily extrapolated to other medical devices and drug combinations for the prevention or treatment of other diseases.