A two-dimensional MXene potentiates a therapeutic microneedle patch for photonic implantable medicine in the second NIR biowindow

Abstract

Due to the refractory nature and recurrence of cancer, the related treatments are continuously updated and improved. Here, we designed a soluble polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) microneedle system loaded with a two-dimensional (2D) MXene (Nb₂C nanosheets) for medical implantation and photothermal ablation of superficial tumors in the second near infrared biological window (NIR-II). In this system, 2D Nb₂C nanosheets acted as high-performance photothermal nanoagents, and biocompatible PVP functioned as matrix material to maintain the structure of the needles. The microneedle system exhibited sufficient skin-penetration ability and distinctive dissolution behavior. After being inserted into the skin of the tumor site, it can be dissolved within a short period to release the loaded 2D Nb₂C nanosheets. The temperature of the tumor site increased rapidly to almost 70 °C under the irradiation of a 1064 nm laser at a power density of 1 W cm⁻², and this could provide sufficient conditions for photonic tumor ablation. After two weeks of treatment, the tumor growth was significantly suppressed, compared to that of the control group, and the survival rate of mice was clearly improved. In addition, the biocompatibility of the microneedle system was tested on mice, in which no significant toxicity or side effects were observed. Therefore, this kind of microneedle system with minimally invasive, safe and effective features is expected to be developed as an intriguing strategy for localized superficial cancer treatment.