The application and challenges of antimicrobial drug-loaded scaffold materials for the treatment of bone infections.

Abstract

Bone infections are a complex clinical issue, typically caused by bacterial infections, leading to damage and dysfunction of bone tissue. Traditional treatments primarily rely on antibiotics (ABs); however, they have limitations such as low permeability and the development of resistance. In recent times, the progress in tissue engineering has introduced novel approaches to tackle bone infections. Biocompatible scaffolds not only serve as supportive structures for bone defects but also function as drug delivery systems, enabling targeted release of antimicrobial drugs to enhance anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. The drug release rate from drug-loaded scaffolds can be controlled, which helps to manage infections while promoting bone healing and enhancing the synergistic effects of antibacterial action and bone repair. This review discusses the latest advancements in scaffold materials for the release of antimicrobial drugs, analyzes the current challenges in research, and outlines future directions for development, providing a basis for clinical applications.