Bioactivity in glass/PMMA composites used as drug delivery system

Gentamicin sulfate has been incorporated in composites prepared from a SiO2-CaO-P2O5 bioactive glass and polymethylmethacrylate. Data showed that these materials could be used as drug delivery system, keeping the bioactive behavior of the glass. The composites supply high doses of the antibiotic during the first hours when they are soaked in simulated body fluid (SBF). Thereafter, a slower drug release is produced, supplying 'maintenance' doses until the end of the experiment. The gentamicin release rate is related with the ionic Ca2+ and H3O+ exchange between composite and SBF. The porous structure of the composites allows the growth of hydroxycarbonate apatite on the surface and into the pores. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.