Browsing by Author "Ferraz, M. P."
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- Co-delivery of antimicrobials based on poly(D,L-lactic acid) 3D-scaffoldsPublication . Zegre, Miguel; Falcão, M.; Ribeiro, I. A.; Santos, C.; Barros, J.; Monteiro, F. J.; Ferraz, M. P.; Caetano, Liliana Aranha; Gonçalves, L.; Bettencourt, A.Bone infection treatment is a clinical challenge, often complicated by simultaneous polymicrobial infections. A growing number of studies address the co-isolation of fungal and bacterial species, such as Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, from polymicrobial biofilm associated with osteomyelitis. Recent publications demonstrate that scaffolds with local drug delivery ability, display high antimicrobial efficiency rates and reduced toxicity, suppressing the progression of bone disease and decreasing the number of pathogens in mono- or polymicrobial-biofilms.
- Dual-loaded chitosan-based nanoparticles: a novel approach for treating polymicrobial osteomyelitisPublication . Zegre, Miguel; Barros, J.; David, A. B.; Fialho, L.; Ferraz, M. P.; Monteiro, F. J.; Caetano, Liliana Aranha; Gonçalves, L.; Bettencourt, A.Developing innovative approaches to target osteomyelitis caused by polymicrobial infections remains a significant therapeutic challenge. In this study, monodispersed chitosan nanoparticles co-loaded with antibacterial (minocycline) and antifungal (voriconazole) agents were successfully prepared. Minocycline presented higher encapsulation efficiency as compared to voriconazole. Thermostability analysis suggested interactions between the co-loaded drugs within the dual-delivery system, potentially limiting voriconazole release. The dual-loaded chitosan nanoparticles exhibited significant in vitro anti-biofilm activity, achieving up to a 90% reduction in polymicrobial biofilms of S. aureus and C. albicans. Additionally, the nanoparticles showed cytocompatibility with a human osteoblast cell line. These findings highlight the potential of this dual-delivery chitosan-based nanoparticle system to address a critical gap in osteomyelitis treatment by targeting both bacterial and fungal pathogens.
- Poly(DL-lactic acid) scaffolds as a bone targeting platform for the co-delivery of antimicrobial agents against S. aureus-C.albicans mixed biofilmsPublication . Zegre, Miguel; Barros, J.; Ribeiro, I. A.; Santos, C; Caetano, Liliana Aranha; Gonçalves, L.; Monteiro, F. J.; Ferraz, M. P.; Bettencourt, A.New strategies for the treatment of polymicrobial bone infections are required. In this study, the co-delivery of two antimicrobials by poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PDLLA) scaffolds was investigated in a polymicrobial biofilm model. PDLLA scaffolds were prepared by solvent casting/particulate leaching methodology, incorporating minocycline and voriconazole as clinically relevant antimicrobial agents. The scaffolds presented a sponge-like appearance, suitable to support cell proliferation and drug release. Single- and dual-species biofilm models of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were developed and characterized. S. aureus presented a higher ability to form single-species biofilms, compared to C. Albicans. Minocycline and voriconazole-loaded PDLLA scaffolds showed activity against S. aureus and C. Albicans single- and dual-biofilms. Ultimately, the cytocompatibility/functional activity of PDLLA scaffolds observed in human MG-63 osteosarcoma cells unveil their potential as a next-generation co-delivery system for antimicrobial therapy in bone infections.