Work

3-D printing of chitosan-MSN@dexamethasone scaffold with enhanced properties for bone tissue engineering

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is an attempt to overcome the limitations of conventional grafting through the combination of bioactive scaffolds and regenerative signals. In this study, we prepared an extrusion-based 3D-printed composite scaffold composed of chitosan (CH) combined with dexamethasone (DEX)-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN), (MSN@DEX) in order to compensate for both mechanical insufficiency and temporary osteoinductive signal. MSNs were synthesized by a templated sol-gel method with high drug loading efficiency and biphasic release behavior. Inclusion of MSN@DEX in chitosan resulted in scaffolds with homogeneous and interconnected porosity (310-420 μm), high compressive strength, good swelling profile, and a degradation profile consistent with the time course of bone healing. In vitro experiments with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) resulted in a high hemocompatibility, a sustained cell proliferation and a significantly enhanced osteogenic differentiation given by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposits and stage-dependent upregulation of RUNX2, ALP, COL1A1 and OCN genes and protein. Together, the hierarchical scaffold architecture, nanostructured reinforcement, and local sustained DEX release provide a cost-effective, stable and clinically adaptable platform for robust osteogenesis with the possibility of enhanced osteogenic induction even with lower dexamethasone release. These findings underscore the potential of CH‑MSN@DEX scaffolds for bone regeneration applications. By combining structural reinforcement with sustained osteoinductive signaling within a single printable construct, this approach represents a clear advancement over previously reported chitosan‑based or DEX‑releasing scaffold systems.

Source: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2025.107423

Authors: Shengjie Cong, Yonggang Yang, Rasoul Akram

Institutions: Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Bone Tissue Engineering Materials

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,070