Abstract Osteomyelitis is a severe bone infection that can lead to chronic inflammation and bone degradation. This study aimed to develop and evaluate polycaprolactone-gelatin (PCL-GL) composite scaffolds, loaded with ciprofloxacin (CIP) and varying concentrations of bioglass (<InlineEquation ID="IEq1"> <InlineMediaObject> <ImageObject Color="BlackWhite" FileRef="40883_2025_457_Article_IEq1.gif" Format="GIF" Height="14" Rendition="HTML" Resolution="72" Type="Linedraw" Width="10" /> </InlineMediaObject> <EquationSource Format="TEX">$5$</EquationSource> <EquationSource Format="MATHML"><math> <mrow> <mn>5</mn> </mrow> </math></EquationSource> </InlineEquation>, <InlineEquation ID="IEq2"> <InlineMediaObject> <ImageObject Color="BlackWhite" FileRef="40883_2025_457_Article_IEq2.gif" Format="GIF" Height="14" Rendition="HTML" Resolution="72" Type="Linedraw" Width="18" /> </InlineMediaObject> <EquationSource Format="TEX">$10$</EquationSource> <EquationSource Format="MATHML"><math> <mrow> <mn>10</mn> </mrow> </math></EquationSource> </InlineEquation>, and <InlineEquation ID="IEq3"> <InlineMediaObject> <ImageObject Color="BlackWhite" FileRef="40883_2025_457_Article_IEq3.gif" Format="GIF" Height="16" Rendition="HTML" Resolution="72" Type="Linedraw" Width="31" /> </InlineMediaObject> <EquationSource Format="TEX">$15\%$</EquationSource> <EquationSource Format="MATHML"><math> <mrow> <mn>15</mn> <mo>%</mo> </mrow> </math></EquationSource> </InlineEquation>), as a localized drug delivery system. The primary objectives were to assess scaffold morphology, mechanical properties, degradation behavior, antibacterial efficacy, cytocompatibility, and osteogenic potential to determine the optimal bioglass concentration for bone regeneration applications. Polycaprolactone-gelatin composite scaffolds were fabricated using 3D printing and incorporated with ciprofloxacin and different bioglass percentages. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characterized scaffold morphology and chemical composition. Mechanical properties, swelling, and degradation rates were evaluated. The antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was assessed using the colony-forming unit (CFU) method. Cytotoxicity was analyzed using the MTT assay, while osteogenic differentiation was examined using real-time PCR to evaluate gene expression levels. The scaffolds exhibited a porous structure with interconnected pores, successfully incorporating ciprofloxacin and bioglass. Drug release studies showed an initial burst followed by sustained release for 28 days above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Antibacterial tests demonstrated significant bacterial reduction, with higher bioglass content linked to enhanced antimicrobial effects. Cytocompatibility analysis indicated improved cell viability with increasing bioglass content, while osteogenic gene expression followed a parabolic trend, with the highest upregulation observed at <InlineEquation ID="IEq4"> <InlineMediaObject> <ImageObject Color="BlackWhite" FileRef="40883_2025_457_Article_IEq4.gif" Format="GIF" Height="16" Rendition="HTML" Resolution="72" Type="Linedraw" Width="31" /> </InlineMediaObject> <EquationSource Format="TEX">$10\%$</EquationSource> <EquationSource Format="MATHML"><math> <mrow> <mn>10</mn> <mo>%</mo> </mrow> </math></EquationSource> </InlineEquation> bioglass. PCL-GL scaffolds loaded with ciprofloxacin and <InlineEquation ID="IEq5"> <InlineMediaObject> <ImageObject Color="BlackWhite" FileRef="40883_2025_457_Article_IEq4.gif" Format="GIF" Height="16" Rendition="HTML" Resolution="72" Type="Linedraw" Width="31" /> </InlineMediaObject> <EquationSource Format="TEX">$10\%$</EquationSource> <EquationSource Format="MATHML"><math> <mrow> <mn>10</mn> <mo>%</mo> </mrow> </math></EquationSource> </InlineEquation> bioglass demonstrated optimal antibacterial efficacy, cytocompatibility, and osteogenic potential, suggesting their potential as effective matrices for treating osteomyelitis. Lay Summary Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that can cause long-lasting inflammation and damage to the bones. This study focused on developing a new type of scaffold made from a combination of polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin (GL), which was loaded with ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic) and different amounts of bioglass to help deliver the drug directly to the affected area. The goal was to create a scaffold that not only fights infection but also supports the healing and regeneration of bone tissue. The researchers created these scaffolds using 3D printing and tested various properties, including their shape, strength, and how they break down over time. They also checked how well the scaffolds can kill bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria responsible for infections like osteomyelitis. Additionally, they tested whether the scaffolds were safe for cells and could promote bone healing. The results showed that the scaffolds had a good structure, were effective at releasing ciprofloxacin over a period of 28 days, and significantly reduced bacterial growth. The scaffolds with higher bioglass content also supported better cell growth and promoted bone regeneration more effectively. The best results were seen with scaffolds containing 10% bioglass, which showed the strongest antibacterial activity, the best cell compatibility, and the most potential for bone healing. This study suggests that these PCL-GL scaffolds with ciprofloxacin and bioglass could be an effective option for treating osteomyelitis by both fighting the infection and helping bone regeneration.

Ciprofloxacin-Loaded 3D-Printed Polycaprolactone-Gelatin-Bioglass Composite Scaffolds as a Potential Drug Delivery System for Osteomyelitis

期刊论文
发表日期：

2025年8月12日

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Ghufran Lutfi Ismaeel,
Ahmed Ibrahim Hamzah,
Sami Awad Alkubaisy,
Israa Habeeb Naser,
Enas Taha Ibrahim Darwish,
Nageshwar Venkatesh Reddy

摘要

Abstract

Osteomyelitis is a severe bone infection that can lead to chronic inflammation and bone degradation. This study aimed to develop and evaluate polycaprolactone-gelatin (PCL-GL) composite scaffolds, loaded with ciprofloxacin (CIP) and varying concentrations of bioglass ( $5$ $5$ , $10$ $10$ , and $15\%$ $15 %$ ), as a localized drug delivery system. The primary objectives were to assess scaffold morphology, mechanical properties, degradation behavior, antibacterial efficacy, cytocompatibility, and osteogenic potential to determine the optimal bioglass concentration for bone regeneration applications. Polycaprolactone-gelatin composite scaffolds were fabricated using 3D printing and incorporated with ciprofloxacin and different bioglass percentages. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characterized scaffold morphology and chemical composition. Mechanical properties, swelling, and degradation rates were evaluated. The antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was assessed using the colony-forming unit (CFU) method. Cytotoxicity was analyzed using the MTT assay, while osteogenic differentiation was examined using real-time PCR to evaluate gene expression levels. The scaffolds exhibited a porous structure with interconnected pores, successfully incorporating ciprofloxacin and bioglass. Drug release studies showed an initial burst followed by sustained release for 28 days above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Antibacterial tests demonstrated significant bacterial reduction, with higher bioglass content linked to enhanced antimicrobial effects. Cytocompatibility analysis indicated improved cell viability with increasing bioglass content, while osteogenic gene expression followed a parabolic trend, with the highest upregulation observed at $10\%$ $10 %$ bioglass. PCL-GL scaffolds loaded with ciprofloxacin and $10\%$ $10 %$ bioglass demonstrated optimal antibacterial efficacy, cytocompatibility, and osteogenic potential, suggesting their potential as effective matrices for treating osteomyelitis.

Lay Summary

Osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection that can cause long-lasting inflammation and damage to the bones. This study focused on developing a new type of scaffold made from a combination of polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin (GL), which was loaded with ciprofloxacin (an antibiotic) and different amounts of bioglass to help deliver the drug directly to the affected area. The goal was to create a scaffold that not only fights infection but also supports the healing and regeneration of bone tissue. The researchers created these scaffolds using 3D printing and tested various properties, including their shape, strength, and how they break down over time. They also checked how well the scaffolds can kill bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria responsible for infections like osteomyelitis. Additionally, they tested whether the scaffolds were safe for cells and could promote bone healing. The results showed that the scaffolds had a good structure, were effective at releasing ciprofloxacin over a period of 28 days, and significantly reduced bacterial growth. The scaffolds with higher bioglass content also supported better cell growth and promoted bone regeneration more effectively. The best results were seen with scaffolds containing 10% bioglass, which showed the strongest antibacterial activity, the best cell compatibility, and the most potential for bone healing. This study suggests that these PCL-GL scaffolds with ciprofloxacin and bioglass could be an effective option for treating osteomyelitis by both fighting the infection and helping bone regeneration.