Quercetin-loaded PCL scaffold suppresses bone metastatic tumors and augments in situ bone formation

This study developed a dual-functional 3D-printed poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffold loaded with quercetin (Q-PCL) for synergistic inhibition of bone metastatic tumors and promotion of bone regeneration. The scaffold was fabricated via melt extrusion, exhibiting a uniform porous structure conducive to sustained quercetin release. In vitro, Q-PCL significantly suppressed renal carcinoma (RENCA) cell proliferation and induced apoptosis, while enhancing the osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). In a murine subcutaneous tumor model, Q-PCL implantation effectively inhibited tumor growth via apoptosis induction without systemic toxicity. In a rat femoral defect model, the scaffold markedly accelerated bone repair, showing increased bone volume, improved trabecular morphology, and mature bone formation. The Q-PCL scaffold demonstrates great potential as a localized co-therapy strategy for treating osteolytic bone metastases and facilitating bone regeneration.