3D-printed aerogel scaffolds with sodium para-aminosalicylate-encapsulated liposomes for intelligent drug delivery

Abstract

Uncontrollable local drug release from drug-loaded scaffolds is a critical challenge in treating bone tuberculosis (BTB), often leading to bacterial resistance and treatment failure. This study proposes an intelligent composite aerogel scaffold that integrates external stimulus response, sustained-release, and structural design. Using direct ink writing and freeze-drying, we integrated sodium para-aminosalicylate-encapsulated liposomes and silk fibroin-modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles into a hydroxyapatite scaffold, thereby constructing an aerogel scaffold with an extracellular matrix-like structure and controlled-release capacity. The incorporation of liposomes significantly suppressed drug burst release and extended the effective drug release period to 336 h. Furthermore, under remote, non-invasive triggering by an external alternating magnetic field, the scaffold maintained a stable local temperature at 42°C. This enabled an accelerated, on-demand release of the drug, overcoming the limitations of uncontrolled delivery. By combining precise three-dimensional printing, liposome-based sustained release, and dynamic magnetic regulation, the intelligent scaffold offers a promising new strategy for personalized treatment of BTB.  

Keywords

Aerogel / Bone tuberculosis / Drug release / Liposome / Magnetic thermal response / Three-dimensional printing

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52365053), the Excellent Doctoral Graduate Innovation Project of Xinjiang University, China (XJU2024BS101), and the China Scholarship Council (202407010013).

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare they have no competing interests.

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