Low-Temperature Photothermal Therapy Based on Borneol-Containing Polymer-Modified MXene Nanosheets

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Antimicrobial Therapy

Background:

• Noninvasive photothermal therapy (PTT) shows promise for eliminating multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.
• Conventional PTT requires high temperatures (>50 °C), leading to collateral damage in healthy tissues.
• There is a need for safer, targeted PTT strategies against MDR bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a low-temperature PTT using bacteria-targeting MXene nanosheets.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of borneol-containing polymer-modified MXene nanosheets (BPM) against MDR bacteria.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of BPM via electrostatic coassembly of 2D MXene nanosheets and borneol-containing polymers (BPQ).
• Characterization of BPM for stability and bacteria-targeting capabilities.
• Assessment of BPM's efficacy in eliminating methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA) and *Escherichia coli* (*E. coli*) under near-infrared irradiation.

Main Results:

• BPM demonstrated enhanced stability in physiological environments and targeted bacterial membranes.
• BPM effectively eliminated MRSA and *E. coli* via targeted photothermal hyperthermia.
• BPM eradicated >99.999% of MRSA at a safe temperature (≤40 °C), indicating high biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• Membrane-targeting low-temperature PTT using BPM is a promising therapeutic strategy.
• BPM offers a safe and effective alternative for treating MDR bacterial infections.
• This approach minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissues.