Characterization of a novel 3D-polymeric scaffold as a co-delivery system

Osteomyelitis is an inflammation of the bone caused by infection, leading to necrosis and tissue destruction. It can cause persistent morbidity and become a chronic disease, being one of the infectious diseases most difficult to manage. Staphylococcus aureus is the most usual causative pathogen in osteomyelitis, and bacterial infections are often complicated by concomitant fungal infections, Candida sp. being the most common. Co-encapsulation of drugs provides a convenient means for the administration of multiple drugs directed at commonly associated diseases. Three-dimensional scaffolds have become a crucial element of bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, are designed to provide an ideal environment for bone formation. Thus, this work aims to develop a new local drug-delivery system for the modulation of polymicrobial activity in bone infections, through the co-delivery of minocycline and voriconazole to the local site of infection, while fostering bone repair.