In vitro Antimicrobial Properties of Pluronic F-127 Injectable Thermoresponsive Hydrogel

Pluronic F-127 (PF-127) hydrogel is a versatile biomaterial with promising applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. PF-127 has antiadhesive activity that prevents bacterial adhesion by creating a hydrated layer on the bacterial surface. This property makes PF-127 suitable for preventing implant-associated infections. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antibacterial properties of PF-127 using field isolates of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria) and compare them with different antibiotic standards. The antimicrobial potential was assessed using disk diffusion assays with four standard concentrations (20%, 25%, 30%, and 40%). The test microorganisms were inoculated on agar plates, and sterile filter paper disks infused with PF-127 hydrogels were placed alongside standard antibiotic disks. After incubation, the inhibition zones were measured to determine antimicrobial activity. Our results showed that PF-127 lacked intrinsic antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli at the tested concentrations. In conclusion, PF-127 hydrogel is a promising neutral carrier hydrogel system for loading antibiotics and antimicrobial compounds. Its unique properties, such as biocompatibility and thermo-responsive behaviour, combined with its antiadhesive activity, make it an ideal candidate for various biomedical applications

Osteochondral defect creation in animal model with brad point drill bits - A preliminary study

Introduction: The shift from manual to machine-based operations has also affected the creation of cartilage defect models. Manual drilling lacks precision and consistency compared to power drills, which offer controlled speed and depth. Moreover, manual burrs may produce defects with irregular edges and uneven surfaces. We introduce a superior method utilizing a power drill with a brad point bit to overcome these limitations, ensuring precision, consistency, and ergonomics. Methods: Our innovative approach uses a brad point drill bit to generate cartilage repair animal models. Tissue sections on day 90 were stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin, Safranin-O, and Masson's trichrome to assess proteoglycan and collagen contents. In contrast, differentiation of hyaline cartilage was evaluated using RGB trichrome staining. Results: This technique can be considered refined compared to conventional methods. The spur-cutting edges bring down splintering, resulting in a smooth, clean defect. The wide flute in the drill bit helps in the smooth and continuous outflow of debris without plugging into the defect. The histological and radiographic findings demonstrated the suitability of these models for proficiently creating and assessing cartilage regeneration over 90 days. Conclusion: Although preliminary findings are promising, further studies will be helpful to standardize and establish this technique. This proof of concept paper provides a foundation for future studies that aim to compare the animal model with other existing models, emphasizing the need for further investigation