A 3D-printed scaffold with MoS2 nanosheets for tumor therapy and tissue regeneration

The treatment of malignant bone tumors is a significant clinical challenge because it requires the simultaneous removal of tumor tissues and regeneration of bone defects, and bifunctional three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds that function in both tumor therapy and tissue regeneration are expected to address this need. In this study, novel bifunctional scaffolds (MS-AKT scaffolds) were successfully fabricated by combining a 3D printing technique with a hydrothermal method. During the hydrothermal process, MoS2 nanosheets were grown in situ on the strut surface of bioceramic scaffolds, endowing them with photothermal therapeutic potential. Under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, the temperature of the MS-AKT scaffolds rapidly increased and was effectively modulated by varying the MoS2 content, scaffold sizes and laser power densities. The photothermal temperature significantly decreased the viability of osteosarcoma cells and breast cancer cells and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Moreover, the MS-AKT scaffolds supported the attachment, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone mesenchymal stem cells and induced bone regeneration in vivo. This bifunctional scaffold, which treats the tumor and facilitates bone growth, offers a promising clinical strategy to treat tumor-induced bone defects. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates the feasibility of localized tumor therapy and tissue regeneration in diverse tissue engineering applications using multifunctional biomaterials. Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets grown on a bioceramic scaffold are promising for improved treatment of malignant bone tumours. Treating malignant bone tumours is challenging as it requires removing tumour tissues while simultaneously regenerating bone defects. Current treatments combine surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which can result in incomplete removal of tumour cells, large bone defects and other harmful side effects. Now, Chengtie Wu of the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, China, and co-workers have used hydrothermal processing to grow MoS2 nanosheets on three-dimensional printed bioceramic scaffolds. The photothermal properties of these nanosheets can be used to generate heating in the vicinity of tumours, thereby inhibiting their growth, while the scaffolds provide support for bone regeneration. The bifunctional scaffold potentially could be used to clinically treat tumour-induced bone defects. A bifunctional scaffold was successfully prepared by in situ growth of MoS2 nanosheets on the 3D-printed bioceramic scaffolds via a facile hydrothermal process. The prepared scaffolds exhibit an excellent capability for both tumor therapy and tissue regeneration, offering a promising clinical strategy for effective treatment of tumor-induced tissue defects.