Multi-functional bismuth-doped bioglasses: combining bioactivity and photothermal response for bone tumor treatment and tissue repair

Treatment of large bone defects derived from bone tumor surgery is typically performed in multiple separate operations, such as hyperthermia to extinguish residual malignant cells or implanting bioactive materials to initiate apatite remineralization for tissue repair; it is very challenging to combine these functions into a material. Herein, we report the first photothermal (PT) effect in bismuth (Bi)-doped glasses. On the basis of this discovery, we have developed a new type of Bi-doped bioactive glass that integrates both functions, thus reducing the number of treatment cycles. We demonstrate that Bi-doped bioglasses (BGs) provide high PT efficiency, potentially facilitating photoinduced hyperthermia and bioactivity to allow bone tissue remineralization. The PT effect of Bi-doped BGs can be effectively controlled by managing radiative and non-radiative processes of the active Bi species by quenching photoluminescence (PL) or depolymerizing glass networks. In vitro studies demonstrate that such glasses are biocompatible to tumor and normal cells and that they can promote osteogenic cell proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization. Upon illumination with near-infrared (NIR) light, the bioglass (BG) can efficiently kill bone tumor cells, as demonstrated via in vitro and in vivo experiments. This indicates excellent potential for the integration of multiple functions within the new materials, which will aid in the development and application of novel biomaterials.Materials: New material can kill bone tumors and repair bone tissuesA new material, that is not only able to treat bone tumors but can also repair bone tissue, could lead to a more effective treatment for bone cancer. Bone tumor surgery can often leave large defects in bones, which require separate operations involving heat treatment and remineralization to repair. Combining these functions into one operation, however, has proved challenging. Now, Mingying Peng and colleagues from The State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices in China, working with fellow Chinese and American researchers, have developed a new type of bioactive glass that integrates both functions into one material. By illuminating bismuth-doped bioglass with near-infrared light, the researchers have developed a new technique that can kill bone tumor cells and enable photoinduced hyperthermia and bioactivity, reducing the number of treatments required to repair bone tissue.