A biodegradable antifungal carrier to treat fungal osteomyelitis

Fungal osteomyelitis is a rare and potentially life threatening condition. Current management involves the prolonged administration of antifungal agents and multiple surgical procedures. This study was designed to address the potential of developing an osteoconductive biodegradable carrier (BC) that can release therapeutic concentrations of antifungal agents. The hypothesis was to examine the sustained release of antifungal agents from loaded β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) BCs over six (6) weeks in concentrations that inhibit microbial growth, without altering the viability and function of osteoblast cells. β-TCP BCs were cold compressed with antifungal agents and the concentration of elutants were determined spectrophotometrically. A standard bioassay was used to evaluate the activity of the eluted antifungal agent over six (6) weeks. The BC delivered therapeutic concentrations of antifungal agents into a tissue culture where osteoblast cells were preinoculated with C. albicans. Antifungal agents were released from the β-TCP BC in therapeutic concentrations without altering osteoblast growth and functional morphology. Antifungal BCs may be an alternative treatment option.