Aptamer-Targeted PLGA Nanoparticles for Biofilm-Directed Intra-articular Antibiotic Delivery in Prosthetic Joint Infection

Staphylococcus aureus-targeted aptamer-conjugated vancomycin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles maintain intra-articular drug levels above MIC for an extended period, with 7.9 {+/-} 2.2% loading capacity.

• Why it matters: Prosthetic joint infection is difficult to treat because conventional antibiotics penetrate biofilms poorly and remain localized, limiting effective local antimicrobial exposure.
• What they did: Aptamers specific to S. aureus biofilm components were conjugated to PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating vancomycin, validated by gel electrophoresis and DLS, then tested in vitro biofilm models and rat knee intra-articular biodistribution imaging.
• The result: Aptamer conjugation enhanced binding and retention within S. aureus biofilms in vitro and produced high local joint retention with limited off-target tissue signal, supporting localized therapy potential.