Multifunctional AIEgen Visualizing a 3D Scaffold for Skull Repair and Highly Effective Anti-inflammatory Activity

Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinted scaffolds show promise for bone regeneration but face challenges in real-time monitoring and infection control. In this study, we successfully constructed a multifunctional 2<i>tBu</i>-TPA-TB@TMP scaffold by incorporating the aggregation-induced emission luminogen (AIEgen) molecule 2<i>tBu</i>-TPA-TB, which exhibits efficient reactive oxygen species generation and high quantum yield, into a trimagnesium phosphate (TMP) scaffold. The developed scaffold demonstrates not only remarkable antibacterial efficacy against methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MRSA) but also significantly enhances osteoblast proliferation. In a rat cranial defect model with MRSA infection, fluorescence imaging combined with micro computed tomography (micro-CT) three-dimensional reconstruction confirmed the scaffold's capability for long-term real-time monitoring of degradation over 21 days, while maintaining excellent structural integrity and controlled degradation properties. More importantly, the synergistic effect of photodynamic therapy and the sustained release of magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) from the scaffold substantially alleviated local inflammatory responses and fibrosis progression. This innovative integrated system, combining noninvasive bioimaging with therapeutic bone regeneration capabilities, provides research perspectives and technical solutions for bone tissue engineering applications.