A bioconjugated MoS₂ based nanoplatform with increased binding efficiency to cancer cells

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets offer unique properties for biomedical applications.
• Targeted cancer detection and treatment require efficient cellular internalization strategies.
• Antibody-antigen interactions are crucial for specific molecular recognition in biological systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate surfactant-free MoS2 nanosheets as a nanoplatform for cancer detection and treatment.
• To enhance the endocytosis of MoS2 nanosheets into cancer cells using antibody functionalization.
• To assess the biocompatibility and cellular uptake of the functionalized MoS2 nanoplatform.

Main Methods:

• Liquid-phase exfoliation of MoS2 nanosheets without surfactants.
• Functionalization of MoS2 nanosheets with M75 antibody for CAIX antigen recognition.
• Assessment of cellular internalization via flow cytometry and label-free confocal Raman imaging.
• Evaluation of cytotoxicity using fluorescence-based cell viability assays.

Main Results:

• A 30% increase in MoS2 nanosheet endocytosis into CAIX-expressing cells was achieved through antigen-antibody binding.
• Bioconjugation of MoS2 nanosheets demonstrated low cytotoxicity in tested cell lines.
• Confocal Raman imaging confirmed cellular internalization and indicated increased lysosomal activity.

Conclusions:

• Surfactant-free MoS2 nanosheets functionalized with antibodies provide an effective nanoplatform for targeted cancer cell delivery.
• The developed system shows promise for enhanced cancer detection and treatment strategies.
• The biocompatibility and efficient cellular uptake highlight the potential of MoS2 nanosheets in nanomedicine.