Zegre, MiguelBarros, J.Ribeiro, I. A.Santos, CCaetano, Liliana AranhaGonçalves, L.Monteiro, F. J.Ferraz, M. P.Bettencourt, A.2022-05-232024-05-232022-06Zegre M, Barros J, Ribeiro IA, Santos C, Caetano LA, Gonçalves L, et al. Poly(DL-lactic acid) scaffolds as a bone targeting platform for the co-delivery of antimicrobial agents against S. aureus-C.albicans mixed biofilms. Int J Pharm. 2022;622:121832.http://hdl.handle.net/10400.21/14652FCT_UIDB/05608/2020. FCT_UIDP/05608/2020.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.engBone infectionPolymicrobial biofilmsMinocyclineVoriconazoleCo-deliveryLocalized antibiotic deliveryFCT_UIDB/05608/2020FCT_UIDP/05608/2020journal article10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121832