Cancer remains one of the leading causes of global mortality, accounting for over 9.7 million deaths annually. The demand for innovative cancer therapies has driven extensive research into alternatives ranging from gene therapy to immunotherapy. Among these alternatives, photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as a highly promising approach in oncology. PTT utilizes photothermal agents to convert light energy into heat, selectively elevating the temperature in targeted tissues and inducing localized cancer cell death. This method is particularly effective due to the inherent susceptibility of cancer cells to hyperthermia. However, many existing PTT agents face challenges such as poor biodegradability, biocompatibility, and poor photothermal conversion. To enhance the precision and efficacy of PTT, the development of biocompatible biofilms for targeted applications is critical. In this study, we propose the synthesis of alginate/gelatin biofilms with APTES-modified MXenes to improve photothermal conversion efficiency and cancer cell ablation. While traditional PTT agents often compromise between efficacy and safety, our alginate/gelatin-MXene formulation achieves both through the natural polymers' biocompatibility and MXenes’ targeted photothermal performance, ensuring effective ablation with minimal collateral injury. These biofilms offer enhanced biocompatibility, precise tumor targeting, and reduced invasiveness compared to conventional treatments. By integrating these materials, we aim to optimize PTT performance while promoting tissue recovery in affected areas. This strategy could pave the way for clinically viable, minimally invasive tumor eradication with accelerated post-treatment healing.
