Development of Biocompatible Coatings with PVA/Gelatin Hydrogel Films on Vancomycin-Loaded Titania Nanotubes for Controllable Drug Release

This study investigates the utilization of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/gelatin hydrogel films cross-linked with glutaraldehyde as a novel material to coat the surface of vancomycin-loaded titania nanotubes (TNTs), with a focus on enhancing biocompatibility and achieving controlled vancomycin release. Hydrogel films have emerged as promising candidates in tissue engineering and drug-delivery systems due to their versatile properties. The development of these hydrogel films involved varying the proportions of PVA, gelatin, and glutaraldehyde to achieve the desired properties, including the gel fraction, swelling behavior, biocompatibility, and biodegradation. Among the formulations tested, the hydrogel with a PVA-to-gelatin ratio of 25:75 and 0.2% glutaraldehyde was selected to coat vancomycin-loaded TNTs. The coated TNTs demonstrated slower release of vancomycin compared with the uncoated TNTs. In addition, the coated TNTs demonstrated the ability to promote osteogenesis, as evidenced by increased alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium accumulation. The vancomycin-loaded TNTs coated with hydrogel film demonstrated effectiveness against both <i>E. coli</i> and <i>S. aureus</i>. These findings highlight the potential benefits and therapeutic applications of using hydrogel films to coat implant materials, offering efficient drug delivery and controlled release. This study contributes valuable insights into the development of alternative materials for medical applications, thereby advancing the field of biomaterials and drug delivery systems.