3D-printed aerogel scaffolds with sodium para-aminosalicylate-encapsulated liposomes for intelligent drug delivery

Uncontrollable local drug release from drug-loaded scaffolds is a critical challenge in treating bone tuberculosis (BTB), often leading to bacterial resistance and treatment failure. This study proposes an intelligent composite aerogel scaffold that integrates external stimulus response, sustained-release, and structural design. Using direct ink writing and freeze-drying, we integrated sodium para-aminosalicylate-encapsulated liposomes and silk fibroin-modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles into a hydroxyapatite scaffold, thereby constructing an aerogel scaffold with an extracellular matrix-like structure and controlled-release capacity. The incorporation of liposomes significantly suppressed drug burst release and extended the effective drug release period to 336 h. Furthermore, under remote, non-invasive triggering by an external alternating magnetic field, the scaffold maintained a stable local temperature at 42°C. This enabled an accelerated, on-demand release of the drug, overcoming the limitations of uncontrolled delivery. By combining precise three-dimensional printing, liposome-based sustained release, and dynamic magnetic regulation, the intelligent scaffold offers a promising new strategy for personalized treatment of BTB.