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Utilization of Macrocycles for the Preparation of a 3D-Printed Composite Scaffold with Drug Release Capabilities for Applications in Bone Tissue Engineering

Zolala, Hengameh | 2025

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  1. Type of Document: M.Sc. Thesis
  2. Language: Farsi
  3. Document No: 58885 (06)
  4. University: Sharif University of Technology
  5. Department: Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
  6. Advisor(s): Mashayekhan, Shohreh
  7. Abstract:
  8. Given the growing trend of population aging, the prevalence of bone disorders such as osteoporosis is increasing. Accordingly, extensive efforts have been made in recent decades to design and develop efficient systems for treating this disease. Among the drugs used for osteoporosis therapy, bisphosphonates, particularly zoledronic acid have demonstrated superior efficacy. However, the drug concentration at the defect site is of critical importance; excessive local concentrations may negatively affect the viability of bone-forming cells. Therefore, designing a system that can inhibit osteoclast activity while preserving osteoblast viability is essential. In this project, to develop a suitable scaffold for osteoporosis treatment, mesoporous bioactive glass containing strontium ions with an average particle size of 148.55 nm was first synthesized. Subsequently, a composite scaffold consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL) and strontium‑doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Sr‑MBG NPs) at a mass ratio of 70:30 was fabricated. For drug loading and delivery, cucurbituril macrocycles were employed. The diverse functional groups in the structure of this macrocycle enable effective interactions with zoledronic acid. Moreover, based on previous studies, cucurbituril is expected not only to act as a drug carrier but also to serve as a crosslinker within the collagen network. After fabricating the composite scaffold using 3D printing, collagen containing the drug‑loaded macrocycle was injected into the scaffold pores. Drug release studies revealed that the presence of the macrocycle moderately reduced the release rate of the drug. Additionally, the printed scaffold exhibited favorable mechanical properties, with a compressive modulus of approximately 122 MPa—within the desirable range for bone tissue engineering applications. Bioactivity assessments showed that the fabricated composite scaffold possessed high bioactivity, and a hydroxyapatite layer formed well on its surface after 14 days of immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF). The biocompatibility of the final scaffold was also evaluated using the MTT assay and cell adhesion studies, indicating that the presence of the macrocycle and the drug had no adverse effects on cell viability
  9. Keywords:
  10. Osteoporosis ; Composite Scaffold ; Zoledronic Acid ; Cucurbituril Macrocycle ; Strontium‑Doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles (Sr-MBG NPs) ; Polycaprolactone Composite ; Bone Tissue Engineering ; Drug Release

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