This study aims to explore the feasibility of the novel temperature-sensitive hydrogel-based dual sustained-release system (Van/SBA-15/CS-GP-SA) in the repair and treatment of infectious jaw defects. Van/SBA-15 was prepared using the mesoporous silica (SBA-15) as a carrier for vancomycin hydrochloride (Van), and Van/SBA-15 was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), and Barrett–Joyner–Halenda (BJH). The characterization results confirm that Van is loaded in SBA-15 successfully. Van/SBA-15/CS-GP-SA is constructed by encapsulating Van/SBA-15 in chitosan–sodium glycerophosphate–sodium alginate hydrogel (CS-GP-SA). The microstructures, sustained-release ability, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties of Van/SBA-15/CS-GP-SA were systematically studied. Van/SBA-15/CS-GP-SA is found to have promising sustained-release ability, outstanding biocompatibility, and excellent antibacterial properties. This study provides new ideas for the management of infectious jaw defects.

The schematic diagram of preparing the composite scaffolds.

In order to produce a type of biocomposite, attractive and environmentally friendly biodegradable polymers are used in the field of materials science. Programable three-dimensional (3D) manufacturing technology conjointly provides a green platform to use polylactic acid (PLA) in bone tissue engineering. In this study, we printed PLA, nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), and β-cyclodextrin/chlorhexidine clathrate (β-CD-CHX) using a 3D printing technique to prepare a porous composite scaffold (PLA/nHA/β-CD-CHX) with osteogenic and anti-infective properties. With scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we confirmed the successful printing of the PLA/nHA/β-CD-CHX and that the β-CD-CHX was uniformly distributed in the scaffold. The in vitro release behavior showed that the dual slow release of PLA/nHA/β-CD-CHX and β-CD-CHX could achieve sustained release of CHX. In addition, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the prepared PLA/nHA/β-CD-CHX exhibited outstanding cytocompatibility and induced osteogenesis. The anti-microbial test against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli demonstrated the outstanding antibacterial properties of the composite scaffold. These findings suggest that the 3D-printed PLA/nHA/β-CD-CHX scaffold has excellent potential for repairing regenerative jaw defects and fighting infections.