3D-Printable Photothermal and Temperature-Controlled Polycaprolactone Scaffolds Incorporating Gold Plasmonic Blackbodies for Bone Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has revolutionized the design and fabrication of bone scaffolds, offering precise and customizable solutions for bone tissue engineering. In this study, we developed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds that incorporated gold plasmonic blackbodies (AuPBs) to harness photothermal properties for temperature-controlled bone regeneration. The AuPB-PCL scaffolds demonstrated enhanced mechanical strength, a tunable thermal response under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, and improved osteogenic potential. Photothermal stimulation effectively modulated cellular responses, promoting osteoblast proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralization. Notably, mild hyperthermia (39-41 °C) induced by laser irradiation optimized osteogenesis, while excessive temperatures (≥42.5 °C) impaired cellular function due to mitochondrial stress and oxidative damage. These findings highlight the potential of AuPB-PCL scaffolds for controlled photothermal bone regeneration, offering a promising strategy for precise, completely noninvasive stimulation of bone repair.