New Biocompatible Ti-MOF@hydroxyapatite Composite Boosted with Gentamicin for Postoperative Infection Control

The
standard clinical management of osteomyelitis involves prolonged
antibiotic therapy, which frequently necessitates the excision of
infected tissues. However, the efficacy of such treatments is increasingly
compromised by the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, underscoring
an urgent need for innovative approaches. This study introduces a
novel composite material designed to offer dual functionality: robust
antimicrobial activity and promotion of bone regeneration. The composite
integrates biocompatible hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA) with a
titanium(IV)–metal–organic framework, MIL-125(Ti)-NH2, impregnated with gentamicin (GM). The solvothermally synthesized
MIL-125-NH2@HA composite demonstrates high cytocompatibility,
as evidenced by assays using osteoblasts (U2-OS) and fibroblasts (L929),
alongside an absence of hemolytic activity at concentrations of up
to 1000 μg/mL. Importantly, the introduction of GM into the
composite significantly amplifies its antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa. Additionally, nanoindentation assessments
reveal enhanced mechanical properties of the MIL-125-NH2@HA composite, indicating the superior elastic performance relative
to unmodified HA. The findings of this research are poised to generate
significant interest in the development of metal–organic framework
(MOF)-based composites for antimicrobial implant applications, presenting
a promising avenue for addressing the challenges posed by antibiotic
resistance in bone infections.