Efficacy of vancomycin-loaded Mg-hydroxyapatite scaffolds in chronic osteomyelitis

In this study, we develop a novel magnesium (Mg)/hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffold loaded with vancomycin (VAN) to provide long-lasting antibacterial activity for bone defect repair in chronic osteomyelitis (CO) in children. Firstly, the VAN-Mg/HA nanoparticles were successfully synthesized, as evidenced by X-ray diffraction analysis. Additionally, the VAN-Mg/HA nanoparticles extended the half-life of VAN by nearly 5-fold. Moreover, our results revealed that the VAN-Mg/HA nanoparticles exhibited a significant antibacterial effect, which was further enhanced with an increase in the concentration of Mg/HA nanoparticles. We also found that the VAN-Mg/HA nanoparticles enhanced the viability and migration of BMSCs, indicating good biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. Furthermore, the VAN-Mg/HA nanoparticles demonstrated higher expression levels of osteogenesis-related genes, such as alkaline phosphatase, RUNX2, and osteocalcin, showing good osteogenic properties. In conclusion, the VAN-Mg/HA scaffolds show great potential for antibiosis and bone regeneration in children with CO.