scCO2-foamed silk fibroin aerogel/poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds containing dexamethasone for bone regeneration

•Submicron-sized silk fibroin aerogels were prepared for the first time.•Aerogels in the scaffolds promote pore interconnectivity and cell infiltration.•PCL/silk fibroin aerogels/dexamethasone scaffolds promote bone repair.•The dexamethasone form used influences the release profile from the scaffolds.•Bone regeneration in in vivo rat model is modulated by the dexamethasone form.