Dual-functional Mo₂N nanomaterials for photothermal therapy: enhancing MRSA-infected wound healing and selective thyroid cancer ablation

Thyroid cancer treatment and bacterial infection management have long been challenging due to the limited effectiveness and side effects of conventional therapies. Here, we introduce molybdenum nitride (Mo₂N) nanomaterials as an innovative platform for dual-functional photothermal therapy, combining anti-tumor and antibacterial treatments. Mo₂N nanoparticles with an average diameter of ~ 2.45 nm were synthesized and systematically characterized. Upon near-infrared (NIR) laser exposure, Mo₂N demonstrated efficient photothermal conversion (efficiency ≈ 31.8%), leading to significant temperature elevation. In vitro studies confirmed a selective cytotoxic effect, with Mo₂N-mediated PTT inducing significant death in thyroid cancer cells while having a minimal impact on normal endothelial cells. In vivo, this platform led to significant tumor growth inhibition and accelerated healing of MRSA-infected wounds. Additionally, Mo₂N exhibited substantial antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) under NIR irradiation, showcasing its effectiveness in combating bacterial infections. The combined anti-tumor and antibacterial actions of Mo₂N suggest a promising strategy for dual-functional photothermal therapy, where the photothermal effect not only inhibits tumor growth but also effectively eliminates bacterial infections during treatment. These findings indicate that Mo₂N-based photothermal therapy can serve as a versatile, multi-functional therapeutic tool, presenting a significant advancement in both oncology and infectious disease treatment.