3D Printed Polycaprolactone Scaffolds Reinforced with  Icariin Loaded MICROSCAFS for Drug Delivery and Bone  Tissue Engineering Applications

Ricardo André De Almeida Delgado

Key information

Authors:

Ricardo André De Almeida Delgado (Ricardo André De Almeida Delgado)

Supervisors:

João Carlos Fernandes da Silva (João Carlos Fernandes da Silva); Ana Clara Lopes Marques (Ana Clara Lopes Marques)

Published in

June 26, 2025

Abstract

This dissertation presents the development of a new type of scaffold, produced by 3D printing for bone tissue engineering, which combines polycaprolactone (PCL) with porous microspheres (MICROSCAFS® ) impregnated with icariin, a natural compound with osteogenic properties. The MICROSCAFS, silicabased microspheres with interconnected macroporosity, were developed by the TPMI group and synthesized through a combination of microemulsion and sol-gel method, optimized to consistently ensure their characteristic morphology and porosity. The MICROSCAFS were sorted by size range and characterized using several techniques, including SEM, FTIR, TGA, BET, and laser diffraction. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated good biocompatibility across the different size ranges. The MICROSCAFS were impregnated with icariin and incorporated into PCL, followed by the production of filaments for 3D printing. The fabrication of the scaffolds preserved the physicochemical and thermal properties of both the polymer and the drug, ensuring effective integration of icariin. Drug release studies in physiologically similar media showed sustained and controlled release profiles, both for free particles and for those incorporated into PCL (scaffolds). These results suggest that the developed scaffolds have high potential to enhance bone regeneration by providing mechanical support and localized drug release, specifically of icariin, known for its bone-stimulating capabilities. This interdisciplinary approach highlights the potential of the MICROSCAFS-PCL system in regenerative medicine, particularly in bone defect repair and osteogenic stimulation, offering a minimally invasive and biologically effective therapeutic solution.