Multifunctional Nb2C MXene-Enhanced 3D Porous Si3N4 Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration and Photothermal Tumor Therapy

Bone tumor treatment often involves surgical resection, which can lead to critical bone defects requiring structural implants for functional and aesthetic restoration. However, the development of scaffolds capable of accurately eliminating residual tumor cells while simultaneously driving bone defect reconstruction remains a significant clinical challenge. To address this dual need, we engineered a biomimetic, multifunctional porous silicon nitride (Si3N4) scaffold integrated with ultrathin niobium carbide (Nb2C) MXene nanosheets. Specifically, this Nb2C MXene-coated porous Si3N4 scaffold (MPSNS) was created by attaching Nb2C MXene nanosheets onto three dimensional (3D)-printed Si3N4 scaffolds, thereby altering its surface physicochemical properties, improving its biological interactions, and enabling targeted tumor ablation. This scaffold exhibits a highly stable, hydrophilic bio-interface that confers excellent biocompatibility and superior osteoinductive activity. Furthermore, the photothermal conversion properties of the Nb2C MXene nanocoating enable targeted tumor ablation and suppression while concurrently promoting bone defect repair. Collectively, this comprehensive study highlights the transformative potential of integrating Nb2C MXene nanosheets with 3D-printed Si3N4 ceramics. By exhibiting superior mechanical integrity, biocompatibility, osteogenic performance, and photothermal tumoricidal efficacy, the MPSNS establishes a promising advanced biomaterial platform for regenerative medicine.