3D Printed Photothermal Scaffold Sandwiching Bacteria Inside and Outside Improves The Infected Microenvironment and Repairs Bone Defects.

Bone infection is one of the most devastating orthopedic outcomes, and overuse of antibiotics may cause drug-resistance problems. Photothermal therapy(PTT) is a promising antibiotic-free strategy for treating infected bone defects. Considering the damage to normal tissues and cells caused by high-temperature conditions in PTT, this study combines the antibacterial property of Cu to construct a multi-functional Cu O@MXene/alpha-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) scaffold support with internal and external sandwiching through 3D printing technology.