Gingerol encapsulated lipid nanoparticles on 3D-printed scaffolds for orthopedic and dental applications

Natural medicinal compounds (NMCs) exhibit medicinal properties and show particular promise in healing bone defects caused by osteosarcoma or fractures. Gingerol (GE) sourced from ginger root (Zingiber officinale) extract, possesses antibacterial, osteogenic, analgesic, antitumorigenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. We encapsulate gingerol within lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to promote these beneficial properties and provide enhanced stability. These GE LNPs paired with 3D-printed tricalcium phosphate allow for patient-specific drug delivery at the wound site. This system reveals a 16 % and 12 % reduction in burst release of the GE in pH 5.0 and 7.4, respectively. GE LNPs exhibit a 1.3-fold increase in osteoblast viability and 3.3-fold higher cytotoxicity towards osteosarcoma cells compared to untreated scaffolds. Treated scaffolds also show a 4.4-fold reduction in the gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus through cell wall dilation and rupture. Integrating GE LNPs into 3D-printed scaffolds reveals a novel strategy to expedite bone repair and may hold potential in future bone tissue engineering applications.