Nano-bio interactions of 2D molybdenum disulfide

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is an ultrathin nanomaterial with a high degree of anisotropy, surface-to-volume ratio, chemical functionality and mechanical strength. These properties together enable MoS₂ to emerge as a potent nanomaterial for diverse biomedical applications including drug delivery, regenerative medicine, biosensing and bioelectronics. Thus, understanding the interactions of MoS₂ with its biological interface becomes indispensable. These interactions, referred to as "nano-bio" interactions, play a key role in determining the biocompatibility and the pathways through which the nanomaterial influences molecular, cellular and biological function. Herein, we provide a critical overview of the nano-bio interactions of MoS₂ and emphasize on how these interactions dictate its biomedical applications including intracellular trafficking, biodistribution and biodegradation. Also, a critical evaluation of the interactions of MoS₂ with proteins and specific cell types such as immune cells and progenitor/stem cells is illustrated which governs the short-term and long-term compatibility of MoS₂-based biomedical devices.

Keywords: 2D nanomaterials; Cellular interactions; Drug delivery; Immunomodulation; Regenerative medicine; Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).