Synthesis of novel photothermal nanomaterial ZnSe-PAM@1 and its treatment of knee osteoarthritis cells

In this study, we synthesized zinc selenide (ZnSe)-polyacrylamide (PAM) nanomaterials for their potential application in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Initially, we characterized the newly prepared material through various techniques including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption to confirm its identity as the desired product. The results demonstrated that ZnSe-PAM nanomaterial exhibited excellent water solubility, biocompatibility, and stability, along with a large surface area, making it suitable for use as a drug carrier. Subsequently, the material was loaded with the drug 1 to obtain ZnSe-PAM@1. Cellular and thermosensitive experiments were then conducted, revealing that this nanomaterial could facilitate drug release by generating heat, thereby reducing the level of microRNA-146a-5P and blocking the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin/extracellular (PI3K/Akt/mTOR/ERK) signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway, thus alleviating the symptoms of KOA. These findings present a new direction for drug intervention in KOA and highlight the potential of developing ZnSe-PAM nanomaterials as novel drug carriers.