Structure–function insights into magnesium distribution and release in co-axial pellet-printed biomaterials via nano-CT and high-throughput image analysis

Magnesium-releasing scaffolds can enhance bone regeneration, but their performance depends on the controlled spatial distribution of magnesium sources and the resulting release behaviour. Here, we present an integrated analytical framework that combines nano-computed tomography (nano-CT), high-throughput automated image analysis using CellProfiler, and magnesium-ion release quantification to evaluate co-axial pellet-printed biomaterials with a core–shell architecture. This approach extends nano-CT analysis beyond qualitative structural imaging by enabling objective, large-scale quantification of internal scaffold features, including magnesium-particle morphometrics and core–shell proportions. By linking these structural parameters with experimentally measured release profiles and biocompatibility outcomes, we establish a direct structure–function relationship showing how scaffold architecture governs magnesium transport and cellular response. This imaging–analysis–performance workflow provides a reproducible and scalable strategy for designing and optimising complex multimaterial scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.