M. DiCicco, T.A. Duong, S.A. Jansen

Abstract. This research analyzed Tobramycin and Gentamycin elution characteristics for two antibiotic-impregnated bone composites: PMMA-based Simplex P and the novel, hybrid bioactive, CORTOSS^TM. Experimental results were correlated with composite hydrophilicity and antibiotic phase partitioning behaviors. The phase partitioning experiment was conducted to understand antibiotic solubility in aqueous environments. By comparing experimental results with calculated data, antibiotic release behavior was predicted. Total Tobramycin elution percentages from CORTOSS and Simplex P were 12.5 and 6.4%, respectively. Total Gentamycin elution percentages from CORTOSS and Simplex P were 6.95 and 10.17%, respectively. Phase partitioning data indicate 100% of Tobramycin remains in aqueous phases, being extremely hydrophilic. This is supported by its calculated theoretical value (log P = - 7.32). Results suggest that Tobramycin elution can be attributed to composite hydrophilicity as well as its high degree of hydrophilicity. Fefteen percent Gentamycin distributes in hydrophobic phases ( log P = -4.22). Despite a lower Gentamycin hydrophilicity, its release was affected by its complexation with polar salts in the leaching buffer, thereby increasing its elution potential, making it appreciably water soluble. CORTOSS is more hydrophilic; therefore the migration of aqueous liquids into the polymer network of CORTOSS facilitates greater antibiotic elution compared with hydrophobic Simplex P.