Intelligent Responsive Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8@Copper Oxide Nanocomposite 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Efficient
Wenhua Li1,2,3, Jintao Zhong1,2, Xiao Wang1,2,3
1Department of Orthopedics, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen 518000, Guangdong, China.
ACS Nano
|September 26, 2025
Summary
This study developed a novel nanocomposite scaffold for infected bone defects. The scaffold offers dual antibacterial and bone-healing functions by intelligently responding to stimuli, balancing efficacy and promoting regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Treating infected bone defects requires materials that simultaneously control infection and promote bone repair.
- Achieving an optimal balance between antibacterial properties and osteogenic potential in scaffolds is a significant challenge.
- Existing approaches often struggle to provide multifunctional capabilities for complex bone regeneration scenarios.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a multifunctional nanocomposite scaffold for infected bone defects.
- To achieve an optimal balance between antibacterial efficacy and osteogenic ability.
- To create a scaffold with intelligent responsive abilities for enhanced bone repair.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 encapsulating copper oxide nanoparticles (ZIF-8@CuO) into a 3D-printed poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) matrix.
- Utilizing synergistic effects of ZIF-8 and CuO nanoparticles for intelligent responsiveness (pH, ROS scavenging, ion recruitment, near-infrared).
- Evaluating antibacterial efficacy via photothermal, photodynamic, and chemodynamic therapies, and assessing osteogenic potential through angiogenesis and biomimetic bone formation.
Main Results:
- The developed ZIF-8@CuO/PLGA scaffold demonstrated intelligent responsive abilities to microenvironmental and external stimuli.
- The scaffold achieved a balanced antibacterial efficacy and osteogenic ability, crucial for infected bone defect repair.
- Rapid bacterial eradication was achieved through combined therapies, followed by a switch to promoting osteogenesis via antioxidative action and biomimetic mineralization.
Conclusions:
- The ZIF-8@CuO/PLGA nanocomposite scaffold offers a promising multifunctional approach for treating infected bone defects.
- Intelligent responsiveness enables a dynamic shift from infection control to bone regeneration.
- This strategy synergistically promotes bone regeneration by enhancing the osteogenic microenvironment and stimulating angiogenesis.
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