Antibiotic Containing Poly Lactic Acid/Hydroxyapatite Biocomposite Coatings for Dental Implant Applications

Abstract

The biodegradable and biocompatible antibiotic containing thin film composites are very appropriate biomaterials as coating materials for dental implants because of their adjustable drug loading and release rates for the prevention of implant related infections. Coralline hydroxyapatite (HAp) was loaded with gentamicin antibiotics and combined with a biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) to form thin film composites. PLA-HAp, PLA-Gentamicin (GM) and PLA-HAp-GM composites were produced, and their dissolution studies were carried out in phosphate buffered saline under SINK conditions. It was observed that the coatings could be efficiently applied to titanium dental implants and the drug release rates can be efficiently controlled.