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Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Three-Dimensional Bone Extracellular Matrix Model for Osteosarcoma
Published on: April 12, 2019
3D-printed tricalcium phosphate scaffolds with Quercetin-zinc chelation for osteogenic, antibacterial and
Susmita Bose1, Connor Toulou1, Aditi Dahiya1,2
1W. M. Keck Biomedical Materials Research Laboratory, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA.
Abstract:
Craniomaxillofacial bone defects and implant-related infections require materials that support regeneration while providing localized therapeutic action. Quercetin offers osteogenic, antibacterial, and anticancer activity, but poor stability and bioavailability limit direct use. To address this, a Quercetin-zinc (Q-Zn2+) complex is loaded onto 3D-printed (3DP) tricalcium phosphate (TCP) scaffolds, where zinc coordination stabilizes Quercetin through metal-ligand interactions and enables controlled release. The release behavior of Q-Zn2+ from 3DP TCP and its antibacterial effects remain unexplored. Characterization of the complex shows that Zn2+ chelates with Quercetin's hydroxyl and carbonyl groups. Release studies at pH 5.0 and pH 7.4 show sustained delivery of Quercetin over 24 days, reaching 16% release at pH 5.0 and 5% at pH 7.4 for complexed Quercetin. In vitro evaluation shows that Q-Zn2+-loaded scaffolds increase osteoblast viability by 42%, reduce osteosarcoma viability by ∼55%, and achieve 93% inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus compared to TCP control. Zn2+ chelation stabilizes Quercetin release while improving osteoblast viability and suppressing bacterial and osteosarcoma growth from 3DP TCP scaffolds. This approach offers a route for controlled therapeutic delivery of Quercetin in calcium phosphate bone graft materials.
