Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Efficacy of a Piperacillin–Tazobactam Loaded Sodium Alginate scaffold for local drug delivery

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical site infections represent a major postoperative concern in oral and maxillofacial surgeries, contributing to increased morbidity and delayed healing. This emphasizes the imperative for the development of biocompatible wound dressing systems with effective antimicrobial properties. This study aims to evaluate the biocompatibility and antimicrobial efficacy of a piperacillin–tazobactam loaded sodium alginate scaffold.

Materials and Methods: Sodium alginate scaffolds loaded with piperacillin–tazobactam were evaluated for cytocompatibility using fibroblast NIH 3T3 and HDFa cell lines and hemocompatibility using an in vitro hemolysis assay. Antimicrobial efficacy was assessed through zone of inhibition studies against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Results: The drug-loaded scaffold demonstrated acceptable cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility, with cell viability remaining within non-cytotoxic to mildly cytotoxic ranges based on concentration and hemolysis below 5%. Significant antimicrobial activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusion: The piperacillin–tazobactam loaded sodium alginate scaffold demonstrates effective antimicrobial activity along with acceptable biocompatibility, indicating its potential as a promising local drug delivery system for the management of surgical site infections.