NIR-Responsive Ti₃ C₂ MXene Colloidal Solution for Curing Purulent Subcutaneous Infection through the "Nanothermal...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Pathogenic microorganism infections pose significant clinical challenges, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
• Titanium carbide (Ti3C2) MXene is explored for its potential biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple preparation method for Ti3C2 MXene colloidal solution.
• To evaluate the efficacy of Ti3C2 MXene colloidal solution combined with near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation against Staphylococcus aureus infections.
• To elucidate the antibacterial mechanism and assess in vivo safety.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of Ti3C2 MXene colloidal solution.
• In vitro antibacterial testing of Ti3C2 MXene and Ti3C2 MXene with NIR irradiation on Staphylococcus aureus.
• In vivo studies to assess therapeutic effects and organ toxicity in mice.

Main Results:

• Ti3C2 MXene colloidal solution with NIR irradiation achieved a 99% antibacterial rate against Staphylococcus aureus, significantly higher than Ti3C2 alone (78%).
• The "nanothermal blade" effect, involving heat transfer and membrane disruption, was proposed as the antibacterial mechanism.
• In vivo studies demonstrated effective killing of Staphylococcus aureus and inflammation prevention with no observed toxicity to mouse organs.

Conclusions:

• Ti3C2 MXene colloidal solution combined with NIR irradiation is a potent and safe antibacterial agent for subcutaneous infections.
• The study provides insights into the antibacterial mechanisms of MXenes, paving the way for developing new antibacterial agents.