Ultraefficiently Calming Cytokine Storm Using Ti₃C₂T MXene

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials science
• Nanotechnology
• Immunology

Background:

• Cytokine storm syndrome is a critical factor in COVID-19 mortality.
• Hemoperfusion is used to mitigate cytokine storm by removing cytokines from blood.
• Activated carbon is a conventional absorbent, but its efficiency can be improved.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets for cytokine removal.
• To compare the efficacy of MXene with activated carbon in removing interleukin-6.
• To explore the mechanism of cytokine immobilization by MXene.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets.
• In vitro experiments measuring the removal efficiency of MXene for interleukin-6.
• Comparative analysis with activated carbon absorbents.
• Molecular-level investigations of the interaction mechanism between MXene and interleukin-6.

Main Results:

• 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene demonstrated an ultrahigh removal capability for interleukin-6.
• MXene exhibited 13.4 times higher removal efficiency than activated carbon.
• A strong chemisorption mechanism was identified for MXene's immobilization of interleukin-6.
• MXene showed excellent blood compatibility without adverse effects on blood components.

Conclusions:

• 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene sheets are highly effective in removing interleukin-6, a key cytokine in cytokine storm.
• MXene offers a superior alternative to activated carbon for hemoperfusion applications.
• This discovery paves the way for using MXene in treating severe COVID-19 by managing cytokine storm syndrome.