Specific recognition and photothermal release of circulating tumor cells using near-infrared light-responsive 2D MXene nanosheets@hydrogel membranes

2D materials with attractive optical properties are promising for individualized cancer immunotherapy. Isolation, capture, and release of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are of great significance for promoting the process of early diagnosis of cancers. MXene nanosheets incorporated gelatin hydrogel offers the possibility of achieving near-infrared (NIR) light response to initiate the photothermal effect. Herein, the design and preparation of Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets-embedded thermoresponsive gelatin hydrogel membrane with NIR light-responsive for the specific capture and release of CTCs were reported. The membrane was fabricated by casting Ti3C2Tx-embedded gelatin onto a substrate and then modified with epithelial-cell adhesion-molecule antibody (anti-EpCAM) for the specific recognition and separation of CTCs from whole blood. The captured cells can be released without damage with dual-mode containing temperature-responsive release (gelatin deconstructed at 37 °C) and photothermal site-release (Ti3C2Tx induced by NIR light). Furthermore, we were able to achieve an average efficient release rate of 89 % of captured cells with stable cell viability of 87 % via the NIR light irradiation. This work may provide the promising potential for retrieval of single cells in clinical diagnosis. Schematic illustration of a MXene@hydrogel membrane for the capture/release of CTCs. [Display omitted] •A photothermal responsive hydrogel membrane was fabricated by solution casting.•Ti3C2Tx exhibited an excellent photothermal effect.•Ti3C2Tx/gelatin hydrogel membrane can selectively capture the target CTCs.•CTCs can be site-released with NIR-laser irradiation and remain viability.