  Multifunctional-therapeutic 3D scaffolds have been prepared. These
biomaterials are able to destroy the S. aureus bacteria biofilm and to allow
bone regeneration at the same time. The present study is focused on the design
of pH sensitive 3D hierarchical meso-macroporous scaffolds based on MGHA
nanocomposite formed by a mesostructured glassy network with embedded
hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, whose mesopores have been loaded with
levofloxacin as antibacterial agent. These 3D platforms exhibit controlled and
pH-dependent levofloxacin release, sustained over time at physiological pH
(7.4) and notably increased at infection pH (6.7 and 5.5), which is due to the
different interaction rate between diverse levofloxacin species and the silica
matrix. These 3D systems are able to inhibit the S. aureus growth and to
destroy the bacterial biofilm without cytotoxic effects on human osteoblasts
and allowing an adequate colonization and differentiation of preosteoblastic
cells on their surface. These findings suggest promising applications of these
hierarchical MGHA nanocomposite scaffolds for the treatment and prevention of
bone infection.
