Synergistic NIR and ultrasound-responsive tellurium nanorods for enhanced antibacterial and osteogenic activity

• Published in: Colloids and surfaces, B, Biointerfaces B, Biointerfaces, 2025-02, Vol.246, p.114395, Article 114395
• Main Authors: Feng, Zhenzhen, Ye, Zhaoyi, Liang, Wanting, Tang, Junze, Bao, Ying, Zeng, Yaoxun, Li, Yushan, Liu, Xujie, He, Yan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents - chemistry; Anti-Bacterial Agents - pharmacology; Antibacterial activity; Cattle; Cell Survival - drug effects; Escherichia coli - drug effects; Humans; Infrared Rays; Mice; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Nanotubes - chemistry; Near infrared light; Osteoblasts - cytology; Osteoblasts - drug effects; Osteogenesis - drug effects; Osteogenic capability; Serum Albumin, Bovine - chemistry; Staphylococcus aureus - drug effects; Surface Properties; Tellurium - chemistry; Tellurium - pharmacology; Tellurium nanorods; Ultrasonic Waves; Ultrasound-responsive
• ISSN: 0927-7765; 1873-4367; 1873-4367
• DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.114395

Bacterial infections and deficient osteogenic activity are the primary factors contributing to the failure of orthopedic implants. In recent years, light- and sound-based external stimulus-responsive therapies have emerged as highly effective in killing drug-resistant bacteria. In this study, we successfully synthesized tellurium nanorods coated with bovine serum albumin (Te@BSA). This novel nanomaterial exhibits excellent biocompatibility and possesses near-infrared light (NIR) and ultrasound (US) synergistic response properties. At a concentration of 100 μg/mL, Te@BSA nanorods, under combined NIR and US treatment, achieved 94 % bacterial eradication against drug-resistant strains, while maintaining cell viability above 90 % in osteoblast cultures. This dual-modality approach minimizes the risk of local thermal damage associated with conventional photothermal therapy, enhancing osteogenic activity by up to 150 % upon NIR exposure. By combining photothermal therapy and sonodynamic therapy, we achieved a remarkable antibacterial effect and enhanced osteogenic capacities in a mild and controlled manner. This study successfully balances antibacterial and osteogenic capabilities. These light- and sound-based external stimulus-responsive strategies aslo offer new perspectives and valuable insights for the surface modification of orthopedic implants. [Display omitted] •Te@BSA nanorods achieved synergistic PTT/SDT upon NIR and ultrasound exposure.•Te@BSA nanorods show high photothermal efficiency and ROS generation under US.•Te@BSA nanorods eradicate bacteria under mild conditions and promote osteogenesis.