Selenium-containing polycaprolactone 3D-printed scaffold for osteogenesis enhancement and bone healing

Bone fractures present significant surgical and healthcare challenges and require innovative bone regeneration strategies. Current research explores selenium (Se)-enhanced polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for improved defect repair. Selenium, known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic properties, was integrated into 3D-printed PCL scaffolds to create customized implants for precise fracture filling. PCL-Se scaffolds were characterized via SEM–EDS, FTIR, ICP, SEM, and wettability tests, confirming that Se incorporation increased hydrophilicity and enabled controlled, nontoxic Se release. In vitro experiments with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) demonstrated enhanced osteogenic differentiation on PCL-Se scaffolds, with higher alkaline phosphatase activity, calcium deposition and upregulated osteogenic gene expression than those on neat PCL. In vivo testing of critical-sized femoral defects in Wistar rats revealed superior bone regeneration with PCL-Se implants, which was validated via micro-CT and histopathology. The scaffolds promoted greater new bone formation, suggesting the role of Se in stimulating remodeling. These findings highlight the potential of PCL-Se as a bioactive, biodegradable solution for osteoporotic fracture repair, combining structural precision with biochemical cues to address regenerative challenges. By improving scaffold functionality and osteogenesis, this approach could reduce complications in bone defect reconstruction, offering a promising strategy for aging populations and osteoporosis-related fractures. However, further clinical studies are needed to translate these advancements into practical surgical applications.