In vitro behavior of poly‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid microspheres containing minocycline, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin

Aim In the present study, we aimed to fabricate poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres containing a mixture of three antibiotics—minocycline, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin (MMC)—to assess their efficacy and properties. Methods MMC were loaded onto PLGA biopolymer microspheres at a 1:1:1 ratio using the double emulsion technique. The morphology of microspheres was observed by a (SEM). The controlled release of antibiotics was evaluated over an 18-day period. The antibacterial efficacy of released antibiotics against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was evaluated by measuring the diameter of the growth-inhibition zone. The cytotoxicity of MMC-containing microspheres was also evaluated and compared using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. One-way anova was used for the data analysis. Results SEM micrographs confirmed the spherical shape and smooth surface of microspheres. The adequate release of antibiotics was observed from the microspheres within the desired time period of 16–18 days. The MMC-containing microspheres showed antibacterial activity for 11 days. Moreover, MMC-containing microspheres showed superior cell biocompatibility compared to the free mixture of the three antibiotics (P < 0.05). Conclusion Microspheres containing triple antibiotics showed good release, antibacterial activity for 11 days, and similar cell biocompatibility compared to the empty microspheres.