3D-Printed Short-Fiber Aerogel Scaffolds for Smart Drug Delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Engineering
• Tissue Engineering
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Aerogel scaffolds face challenges in bone tissue engineering due to uncontrollable drug release and poor mechanical properties.
• Existing drug delivery systems have limitations in achieving on-demand and localized therapeutic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multifunctional smart aerogel scaffold for bone tissue engineering.
• To combine sustained drug release with external magnetic field stimulation for enhanced bone tuberculosis treatment.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a composite aerogel scaffold ((n-HA/CNFs/PVA/Fe3O4@SF)) using electrospinning and direct ink writing (DIW) technology.
• Incorporation of rifampicin-loaded PLA/PCL electrospun short fibers into the aerogel matrix.
• Application of non-contact alternating magnetic field stimulation for localized heating and drug release.

Main Results:

• The composite aerogel scaffold exhibited microarchitectural features mimicking the extracellular matrix.
• Incorporation of short fibers significantly reduced rifampicin release rates and improved mechanical properties.
• Magnetic field stimulation induced localized hyperthermia (42 °C) for on-demand accelerated drug release and magnetotherapeutic effects.

Conclusions:

• The developed smart aerogel scaffold offers a novel strategy for intelligent and precision treatment of bone tuberculosis (BTB).
• Integration of 3D printing, electrospinning, sustained release, and magnetic field regulation overcomes limitations of traditional approaches.