Coaxial 3D Printing Scaffolds with Sequential Antibacterial and Osteogenic Functions to Effectively Repair Infected Mandibular Defects

Abstract Infected mandibular defects pose a formidable challenge without an entirely satisfactory repair strategy. Here, a coaxial 3D printing scaffold comprising a shell loaded is dveloped with the antibiotic minocycline hydrochloride and a core wrapped with traditional Chinese medicine antler powers. This study is conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the scaffold in facilitating the repair of infected mandibular defects. In vitro investigations exhibit that this construct possesses a porous microstructure, exceptional mechanical properties, appropriate degradability, acceptable water absorption capacity, and satisfactory biocompatibility. Transcriptome analyses further reveal a notable upregulation of relevant genes and signaling pathways associated with cell activity, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis. In vivo rat (Φ = 5 mm) and rabbit (5 mm × 4 mm × 10 mm) mandibular defect models confirm the scaffold's ability to sequentially regulate bone healing by suppressing infection and inflammation, followed by promoting osteogenesis and angiogenesis. This advanced graft holds significant translational potential for infectious bone regeneration.