Surface-covering gels for broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection following open

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): About 3-4% of all fractures are estimated to be open fractures, where the fracture is exposed through defects in the skin and soft tissues. This equates to about 250,000 open fractures in the United States annually. Open fractures present a high risk of infection. Infection results in considerable financial burden to both the patient an healthcare system, requires repeat operations (often more than one), and can cause delayed fracture healing or nonunion. There is no suitable option available for local antimicrobial deliver to many open fractures. A biocompatible local delivery vehicle with a fast degradation time could provide effective coverage to a much wider range of open fractures than possible with available materials. Such a technology would provide a real benefit to patients and healthcare providers alike. A promising approach for preventing infections following open fractures is to use a resorbable controlled release carrier, SB Gel, for the sustained relea