DataVXJournal of Functional BiomaterialsPaper
journal article·2025-08-15Open access

Photothermally Responsive Biomimetic Composite Scaffolds Based on Polydopamine-Functionalized Nanoparticles/Polyurethane for Bone Repair

Ruqing Bai, Jiaqi Chen, Ting Zhang, Tao Chen, Xiaoying Liu, Weihu Yang, Tuck-Whye Wong, Jianwei Zhang, Li Wang

Journal of Functional Biomaterials· Volume 16· Issue 8
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Source abstract

Abstract

In this study, a shape-changeable 3D scaffold with photothermal effects was developed to address the clinical challenges of complex bone defects. The multifunctional construct was fabricated via in situ polymerization combined with a gas foaming technique, creating hierarchical porous architectures that mimic the native bone extracellular matrix. By incorporating polydopamine (PDA)-modified amorphous calcium phosphate (CA) into poly(propylene glycol) (PPG)- and poly(ԑ-caprolactone) (PCL)-based polyurethane (PU). The obtained scaffolds achieved osteoinductive potential for bone tissue engineering. The surface PDA modification of CA enabled efficient photothermal shape conversion under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, facilitating non-invasive remote control of localized hyperthermia. The optimized scaffolds exhibited interconnected porosity (approximately 70%) with osteoconductive pore channels (200–500 μm), resulting in good osteoinduction in cell culture, and precise shape-memory recovery at physiological temperatures (~40 °C) under NIR for minimally invasive delivery. The synergistic effect of osteogenesis promotion and photothermal transition demonstrated this programmable scaffold as a promising solution for integrated minimally invasive bone repair and defect reconstruction.
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Research context

PolymersNanomaterialsBiomaterialsComposites

OpenAlex topics: Polymer composites and self-healing · Polymer Surface Interaction Studies · Electrospun Nanofibers in Biomedical Applications

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

State Key Laboratory of Mechanical Transmission for Advanced Equipment, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China

School of Big Health and Intelligent Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China

Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China

Advanced Membrane Technology Centre, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia

Sichuan Provincial Key Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Sciences for Intelligent Medical Care and Elderly Health Management, Chengdu 610500, China

Irradiation Preservation and Effect Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu 610500, China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · China Postdoctoral Science Foundation · Entrepreneurship and Innovation Support Program for Chongqing Overseas Returnees · Chengdu Medical Talent Pinnacle Plan · Science and Technology Fund of Chengdu Medical College · Sichuan Science and Technology Program

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