Generation of a Gelatin-Based, Vancomycin-Eluting Hemostatic Agent for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections

Surgical site infections (SSIs) following major surgeries are a growing concern in the healthcare industry. These infections lead to lengthened hospital stays, additional surgical procedures, prolonged antibiotic use, and increased patient morbidity. Vancomycin is often the last line of defense against strains of staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria that are resistant to beta‐lactam antibiotics including Methicillin‐Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). Upon the event of SSIs, typical treatment includes the intravenous delivery of vancomycin which leads to lengthened hospital stays and increased patient expenditures. Current prevention methods include oral administration of antibiotics before surgery, coating of antiseptic agents on incision sites and operating utensils, and systemic administration of antibiotics during surgery. With widespread delivery of antibiotics, there is an increased likelihood of further expansion of antimicrobial resistance. The development of a localized antibiotic‐eluting hemostatic agent as a preventative measure will likely improve the efficiency and efficacy of antimicrobial prophylaxis and subsequently reduce the occurrence of SSIs. Therefore, the current investigation identified a methodology to produce a vancomycin‐linked hemostatic agent through liquid‐phase peptide bond formation. Type B gelatin was incubated with vancomycin and the cross‐linking agent 1‐ethyl‐3‐(‐3‐dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) to allow for internal cross‐linking of gelatin and conjugation of gelatin with vancomycin. Concentrations of gelatin, EDC, and vancomycin were optimized through release profile analysis. Analysis of eluted fractions by UV‐Vis spectrometry indicated that approximately 30% of loaded vancomycin was released over a two week period. Further analysis by infrared spectroscopy and UV‐Vis spectrometry confirmed that vancomycin released from the loaded hemostatic agent maintained its structural integrity following the cross‐linking procedure. The method described here allows for the production of a vancomycin‐eluting hemostatic agent for the prevention of SSIs. Incorporation of this technology into post‐operative procedures may expedite surgical protocols and limit cost burdens and mortality rates associated with SSIs. On‐going work will analyze the efficacy and toxicity of these agents within biological systems. Support or Funding Information Florida Southern College Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry, & Physics Berend Research Funds