Dual-Functional Triphasic Composite Scaffolds for Enhanced Antibacterial and Osteogenic Performance in Preventing Osteomyelitis Recurrence

A biomimetic triphasic scaffold was developed to support orthopedic surgery in the treatment of osteomyelitis, with a design inspired by the extracellular matrix. The scaffolds were fabricated by integrating a polymeric matrix, comprising poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), silk fibroin, and gelatin, with reinforced ceramic particles using a bubbling technique. The ceramic particles, composed of titanium carbide, titanium oxides, and strontium carbonate coated onto carbon black, were synthesized via a molten salt synthesis followed by a hydrothermal treatment. The ceramic particles were incorporated at varying contents (0–0.5 g) to identify the optimal composition for enhanced scaffold performance. Phase composition, microstructure, and chemical structure were characterized by XRD, SEM, and FTIR, while swelling, degradation, compressive strength, biological response, and antibacterial activity were also evaluated. The resulting scaffolds exhibited a triphasic architecture with sponge-like and film-like layers. The triphasic structure results from sequential self-organization driven by spatial gradients within the scaffold: sponge layer forms via bubbling, followed by film-like layers generated through freeze–thaw-induced phase separation and subsequent PBS immersion. The findings revealed that both the amount and phase composition of the ceramic particles significantly influenced the mechanical properties, swelling behavior, degradability, biocompatibility, and antibacterial performance. Notably, strontium carbonate played an important role in enhancing antibacterial activity and promoting bone regeneration in the particle-loaded scaffolds. Among all tested formulations, the scaffold containing 0.5 g of ceramic particles demonstrated the most favorable properties, highlighting its strong potential as a multifunctional triphasic scaffold for preventing infection recurrence and promoting bone regeneration in osteomyelitis treatment.