Thermo-responsive and biodegradable MoS₂-based nanoplatform for tumor therapy and postoperative wound management

Inorganic nanoparticles serve as versatile nanoplatforms for efficient cancer diagnosis and therapy. However, their limited in vivo degradability and excretion rates may lead to various adverse effects. Furthermore, the cascade-controlled release of drugs remains a challenge. In this study, we developed a free-radical triggered degradable MoS₂-AIPH@LA nanoplatform for tumor photothermal and oxygen-independent thermodynamic therapy. This was achieved by loading the free radical initiator (2,2′-azobis[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl) propane] dihydrochloride (AIPH)) onto MoS₂ nanoparticles and encapsulating them with thermo-responsive lauric acid (LA). Upon laser irradiation, the hyperthermia generated by MoS₂ induces cancer cell death and releases AIPH, an oxygen-independent and thermal-responsive radical initiator capable of producing toxic alkyl free radicals for tumor therapy and inhibiting bacterial growth. Importantly, these free radicals promote the degradation rate of MoS₂-AIPH@LA, further facilitating a rapid AIPH release and improving the biocompatibility of the MoS₂-AIPH@LA nanoplatform. In particular, the thermo-responsive nature of LA in this formulation effectively regulates the release of AIPH, thus reducing potential AIPH leakage into the bloodstream and minimizing safety risks. With its free-radical-triggered degradation and cascade-controlled release capabilities, MoS₂-AIPH@LA shows significant promise for inhibiting tumor proliferation and managing postoperative bacterial infection.