Functional Silver-Loaded Porous Composite Scaffold for Bone Tissue Bacterial Infection

Abstract

Chronic osteomyelitis poses a significant clinical challenge in orthopedic care, contributing to substantial socioeconomic burdens. To address this issue, we engineered three-dimensional porous gelatin/β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) composite scaffolds incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), designed to combine antimicrobial efficacy with osteoconductive potential. The AgNP-loaded scaffolds were synthesized and characterized. Biocompatibility and antibacterial activity were systematically evaluated. Results indicated that AgNP incorporation preserved the scaffolds’ interconnected porous architecture while improving hydrophilicity, water absorption capacity, and mechanical resilience. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays revealed no statistically significant inhibition of cell proliferation relative to AgNP-free controls (P > 0.05), with scanning electron microscopy confirming robust cellular adhesion and proliferation. Osteogenic marker expression was markedly elevated in composite scaffolds compared to controls, with these enhancements remaining unaffected by optimal AgNP loading. Sustained Ag+ ion release persisted for six weeks, correlating with prolonged antibacterial efficacy against common pathogens. Collectively, the AgNP-loaded gelatin/β-TCP scaffolds demonstrated synergistic antibacterial activity, cytocompatibility, and osteogenic promotion. These properties position the composite as a promising biomaterial for addressing infection-related bone defects, offering a dual therapeutic strategy to mitigate microbial colonization while supporting tissue regeneration.