Microenvironment-responsive electrocution of tumor and bacteria by implants modified with degenerate semiconductor film

Implantable biomaterials are widely used in the curative resection and palliative treatment of various types of cancers. However, cancer residue around the implants usually leads to treatment failure with cancer reoccurrence. Postoperation chemotherapy and radiation therapy are widely applied to clear the residual cancer cells but induce serious side effects. It is urgent to develop advanced therapy to minimize systemic toxicity while maintaining efficient cancer-killing ability. Herein, we report a degenerate layered double hydroxide (LDH) film modified implant, which realizes microenvironment-responsive electrotherapy. The film can gradually transform into a nondegenerate state and release holes. When in contact with tumor cells or bacteria, the film quickly transforms into a nondegenerate state and releases holes at a high rate, rendering the “electrocution” of tumor cells and bacteria. However, when placed in normal tissue, the hole release rate of the film is much slower, thus, causing little harm to normal cells. Therefore, the constructed film can intelligently identify and meet the physiological requirements promptly. In addition, the transformation between degenerate and nondegenerate states of LDH films can be cycled by electrical charging, so their selective and dynamic physiological functions can be artificially adjusted according to demand. [Display omitted] •Degenerate layered double hydroxide (LDH) films in metastable state are constructed on implantable material.•The degenerate LDH films show microenvironment-responsive discharging abilities.•The designed system induces selective electrocution of tumor and bacteria.•Transformation of LDH films between degenerate and non-degenerate state can be cycled by electrical charging.