• Icariin sustained-release microspheres achieved a drug loading of 29.38% and encapsulation efficiency of 52.01%, enabling sustained release for over 90 days.
• The SF/CS/nHA-ICA scaffold enhanced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rabbit bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, evidenced by increased Runx-2, osteocalcin, and type I collagen expression.
• The scaffold inhibited the proliferation and viability of human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes, indicating anti-inflammatory potential.
• The scaffold exhibited favorable cytocompatibility and maintained structural properties comparable to the non-loaded scaffold, supporting its use in bone tissue engineering.