Balanced enhancement of antibacterial activity and biocompatibility in chitosan-vancomycin 3D-printed scaffolds through mesoporous bioactive glass addition

The rising incidence of osteomyelitis and growing challenges associated with conventional antibiotic therapy underscore an urgent need for novel therapeutic interventions. This study explores the development and characterization of chitosan/vancomycin/mesoporous bioactive glass (Chi-Van-MBG) 3D-printed scaffolds incorporating various MBG/Chi ratios, aimed at enhancing the viability and proliferation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) along with antibacterial effectiveness. Preliminary analyses, including the assessment of chemical composition, morphology, swelling, and degradation behaviors, demonstrated promising characteristics for bone tissue engineering applications. The scaffolds also exhibited an initial burst release of vancomycin, followed by a sustained release over four weeks, ensuring effective antibacterial potency. Notably, a considerable inhibition zone of 40 mm against Staphylococcus aureus was found for the composite sample loaded with 15 % MBG, compared to 24 mm for the drug-loaded, MBG-free sample during antibacterial disk diffusion assays. Furthermore, MTS assays indicated a remarkable cell viability of 191.2 % for the optimal specimen (the sample with 10 % MBG) after 7 days of culture. Cell adhesion investigations revealed a bridging framework that facilitates both single-cell and multi-cell attachments due to the structural features of the optimal 3D-printed scaffold. Overall, the Chi-Van-MBG scaffolds represent promising biomaterials for addressing osteomyelitis, harmonizing enhanced antibacterial properties with exceptional biocompatibility and favorable cellular responses.