Abstract
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.