Multifunctional bilayer scaffolds integrating melt electrowriting fibers and drug-loaded microspheres promote posteochondral regeneration through PI3K-AKT-mediated chondro-osteogenic signaling.

ABSTRACT: Osteochondral defects (OCDs) remain challenging to repair due to the complex structural and biological heterogeneity of the cartilage-bone interface. Here, we developed a bilayer microsphere-scaffolds composite by integrating melt electrowriting (MEW) scaffolds with two types of functionalized hydrogel microspheres (HMPs). The upper layer consisted of disulfide-containing poly ethylene glycol diacrylate (HB-PBHE)/thiolated hyaluronic acid (SH-HA) microspheres encapsulating kartogenin (KGN) liposomes (HM@PHK) to promote chondrogenesis, while the lower layer was formed by GelMA/nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) microspheres loaded with curcumin (Cur) liposomes (HM@GMAC) to provide osteoinductive, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory cues. This bilayer construct exhibited uniform architecture, favor

SUBMITTER: Lai H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12857294 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature