Molybdenum nanodots reprogram inflammatory-driven osteolysis via bone immune remodeling.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanomedicine
• Orthopedic Research

Background:

• Nanomedicine translational potential is limited by complex synthesis and manufacturing challenges.
• Single-element nanosystems offer advantages in biosafety and tunable bioactivity.
• Implant-associated osteolysis presents a significant clinical challenge requiring novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate molybdenum nanodots (MoNDs) as a monocomponent nanotherapeutic for implant-associated osteolysis.
• To investigate the anti-inflammatory and bone remodeling effects of MoNDs.
• To assess the in vivo efficacy of MoNDs in a preclinical model of osteolysis.

Main Methods:

• Facile and reproducible ultrasonic exfoliation for MoND synthesis.
• In vitro assessment of ROS scavenging, mitochondrial function recovery, and macrophage polarization.
• In vitro evaluation of osteoclastogenesis and osteogenic differentiation.
• In vivo study using a titanium particle-induced osteolysis model in rodents.

Main Results:

• MoNDs demonstrated robust reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and biocompatibility.
• MoNDs alleviated oxidative stress by recovering mitochondrial function and curbing M1 macrophage polarization.
• MoNDs suppressed osteoclastogenesis and promoted osteogenic differentiation.
• In vivo, MoNDs significantly attenuated bone loss, improved bone integrity, and rebalanced metabolic markers in an osteolysis model.

Conclusions:

• MoNDs represent a clinically viable nanotherapeutic for inflammation-driven osteolytic disorders.
• Elemental simplicity of MoNDs facilitates scalable synthesis and manufacturing.
• This study bridges advanced material design with translational orthopedic applications.