۳D-Printed Hydrogel Scaffolds Incorporating Ciprofloxacin-Loaded Mesoporous Silica for Controlled Antibacterial Drug Delivery and Accelerated Wound Healing

Antibacterial scaffolds are increasingly recognized as advanced materials for repairing and regenerating soft tissues. This investigation reports the fabrication of a novel three-dimensional (۳D) printed wound dressing that integrates potent antibacterial efficacy with excellent biocompatibility. The innovative formulation comprises carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), xanthan gum (XG), and mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) that encapsulate ciprofloxacin to enhance antimicrobial performance. Characterization studies revealed that the MSN are uniformly spherical and indicative of a narrow size distribution. The engineered scaffold possesses a consistent morphology, notable mechanical durability, optimal swelling characteristics, controlled biodegradation rates, efficient water vapor transmission, and marked resistance to microbial penetration. Bioactivity assays in vitro demonstrated robust antibacterial properties, as well as exceptional cytocompatibility. Furthermore, in vivo evaluations revealed that the optimized ۳D-printed CMC/XG-MSN@Cip dressing markedly accelerated the healing of full-thickness dermal wounds. Overall, these results highlight the multifunctional potential of this ۳D-printed CMC/XG-MSN@Cip dressing, underscoring its suitability as an advanced wound management system due to its comprehensive physicochemical and biological advantages.