Nanofibers of polyester–polydopamine copolymers enable combined photothermal effect and chemotherapy for local cancer treatment

Cancer remains one of the most significant global health challenges, with surgery representing the primary therapeutic approach for most solid tumors. However, the risk of local recurrence due to residual tumor cells necessitates the development of innovative strategies that can provide localized, controlled treatment. This study presents multifunctional electrospun scaffolds based on a poly(ε-caprolactone)-graft-polydopamine (PCL-g-PDA) copolymer blended with polylactic acid (PLA) and loaded with doxorubicin (DOX). Plasma treatment significantly improved the surface wettability of the scaffold. Morphological and physicochemical analyses confirmed the formation of homogeneous fibres. The presence of PDA side chains results in a notable photothermal response when exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light, reaching hyperthermic temperatures of up to 48 °C. Release studies revealed controlled pH-responsive kinetics that were further accelerated by NIR exposure and subsequent thermal activation. In vitro assays on HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells cultured in 2D and 3D revealed enhanced cytotoxic effects resulting from the combination of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy. These results demonstrate the significant potential of the PLA/PCL-g-PDA + DOX scaffold as a smart and multifunctional therapeutic platform for localized, potential post-surgical cancer treatment. It effectively combines chemotherapy and hyperthermia to minimize the risk of recurrence.