A Chemotherapy-Photothermal synergistic system in bifunctional bone Scaffold: Tumor therapy and bone repair

Bone defect repair and tumor recurrence are the main challenges in the postoperative treatment of bone tumors. The incorporation of zoledronate (ZOL) into scaffolds presents a promising approach, attributed to its osteogenic and anti-tumor properties. However, there are still some unfavorable factors that make it difficult to eradicate tumor cells at the surgical site, including drug rapid release, the insufficient anti-tumor efficacy of ZOL and the multidrug resistance of chemotherapy. Herein, a novel nano drug delivery platform mesoporous silicon-coated graphene oxide (GO/MSN) and ZOL loaded nanoparticle (GO/MSN-ZOL) were developed. Then PLLA/ GO/MSN-ZOL scaffold that integrates photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy was fabricated using poly (L-lactic acid) as raw materials by selective laser sintering (SLS) technology. The GO not only imparted scaffold with photothermal properties for localized tumor cell ablation but also significantly enhanced its anti-tumor efficacy through synergistic effects in combination with chemotherapy. The mesoporous structure and large specific surface area of MSN contribute to the sustained release of ZOL. Additionally, GO could promote osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), which in combine with ZOL’s osteoclast inhibition, enhances the bone repair capacity. This study offers a straightforward and promising strategy for treating tumor-related bone defects.