Abstract
Purpose: :
To determine the release kinetics of buffer supernatants collected from collagen wafers containing gentamycin
Methods: :
Collagen wafers were incubated with 1.0 ml of 0.1M PBS, pH 7.0 at 37°C. One milliliter solutions were collected at days 1, 3, 7, 9, 17 and 21 and refreshed with 1.0 ml of PBS. Three individual samples per time period were evaluated for gentamycin concentration utilizing a gentamycin EIA Competitive Enzyme Immunoassay.
Results: :
At 24 hours, there was an initial burst of antibiotic release averaging 240 ug/cc. At day 3, the average was 83.5 ug/cc; at day 7, 30 ug/cc; at day 9, 12.5 ug/cc; and at day 17, 4.5 ug/cc. The wafer completely dissolved at day 21.
Conclusions: :
The collagen wafer released gentamycin in bacteriocidal levels for up to 17 days. There was a very high release rate of antibiotic in the first 24 hours with sustained levels lasting over two weeks. This in vitro study indicates that subconjunctival placement of an antibiotic infused collagen wafer could supply sufficient antibiotic in the post operative period eliminating the need for self administation of eyedrops.
Keywords: antibiotics/antifungals/antiparasitics • cornea: basic science • cornea: basic science