In vitro evaluation of 3D-Printed polycaprolactone/hardystonite scaffolds with chitosan-coated DOX-loaded MnZn ferrite nanoparticles for bone tissue engineering and localized tumor treatment

Abstract

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) has become an exciting and innovative approach for healing damaged or diseased bones. In this study, 3D-printed composite scaffolds were fabricated using polycaprolactone (PCL) and hardystonite (HT) bioceramic nanoparticles synthesized via the sol-gel method. The optimal scaffold, composed of 50 wt% HT and 50 wt% PCL was selected based on its superior mechanical properties, controlled biodegradability, and enhanced bioactivity. Comprehensive physicochemical analyses, including XRF, XRD, SEM, and BET, confirmed HT's structural and chemical characteristics. Biological evaluations using MTT assays, cell differentiation tests, and Phalloidin/DAPI staining demonstrated improved cell viability, adhesion, and osteogenic potential on the optimized scaffold. To enable hyperthermia-based drug delivery, manganese-zinc ferrite (Mn0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized via the hydrothermal method, loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), and incorporated into a chitosan coating applied to the scaffold. Hyperthermia studies showed that radiofrequency exposure raised the scaffold temperature to ∼40 °C within 8 min, triggering significantly greater DOX release compared to that at 38 °C. This temperature-controlled drug release mechanism could precisely target tumor sites while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. These findings highlight the potential of combining scaffolds enriched with HT and functional coatings for dual applications in bone tissue regeneration and localized bone tumor treatment. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.