Perspectives on photothermal therapy to enhance osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling in bone repair

Recent attention has focused on bone's highly vascularized characteristics to improve bone defect repair, an interplay referred to as osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling. Regarding this point, it is promising to utilize photothermal therapy (PTT) to enhance the coupling, with increasing research in the field. However, the application models, mechanisms, and therapeutic efficacy remain underexplored. Previous reviews have mainly addressed the general osteogenic applications of PTT. This review instead focuses on how PTT regulates the spatiotemporal coordination of osteogenesis and angiogenesis during bone repair. A comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying PTT is presented, together with a systematic summary of photothermal agents (PTAs) and their application strategies for enhancing osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Furthermore, the current concerns and challenges associated with the clinical translation of PTT are discussed. Finally, future perspectives and potential development directions are proposed, with the aim of offering new opportunities and innovative approaches for bone repair.