Two-dimensional MXene/nano-hydroxyapatite nanocomposite promotes osteogenesis by photothermal conversion

Bone defects are a common problem that poses a serious threat to human health, causing mortality and disability worldwide. Photothermal therapy has become a promising strategy to address this problem by inducing osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) through the application of mild heat stress. To improve the current photothermal therapy for bone regeneration, the objective of this study was to develop a new photothermal therapeutic agent with improved osteogenic activity and photothermal properties. To achieve this objective, an MXene/nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) nanocomposite was synthesised and characterised. The proposed nanocomposite demonstrated excellent photothermal properties under 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) irradiation. This nanocomposite was found to be biocompatible and promoted cell proliferation and adhesion, making it a suitable candidate for photothermal therapy. The results of this study suggest that the MXene/nHA nanocomposite can promote osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In addition, when exposed to 808 nm NIR irradiation, the MXene/nHA nanocomposite generates mild thermal stimulation via photothermal conversion, thereby enhancing its osteo-inductive potential. In summary, this study presents a novel strategy for the application of photothermal therapy in bone regeneration.