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Ultrathin Multi-Doped Molybdenum Oxide Nanodots as a Tunable Selective Biocatalyst
Bao Yue Zhang1, Farjana Haque1, Shwathy Ramesan1,2
1School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|October 4, 2025
Summary
Ultrathin molybdenum oxide nanodots, doped with hydrogen and ammonia, efficiently generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for targeted cancer therapy. These biocompatible nanodots show selective toxicity towards cancer cells, sparing healthy ones.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial in cancer therapy, modulating cellular functions.
- Noble metal nanoparticles induce ROS but lack cell specificity, limiting their therapeutic use.
- Developing biocompatible materials for targeted ROS generation is essential for effective cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore ultrathin molybdenum oxides (MoOₓ) nanodots as biocompatible agents for ROS generation.
- To investigate the effect of hydrogen (H⁺) and ammonia (NH₄⁺) doping on MoOₓ electronic band structure and ROS production.
- To evaluate the selective biocatalytic potential and cytotoxicity of multi-doped MoOₓ against cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of ultrathin, biocompatible molybdenum oxide (MoOₓ) nanodots.
- Incorporation of hydrogen (H⁺) and ammonia (NH₄⁺) dopants to modulate electronic band structure.
- Assessment of ROS generation and hydroxyl radical (·OH) production via scavenger analysis.
- Evaluation of cytotoxicity against HeLa cancer cells and HEK293T healthy cells.
Main Results:
- MoOₓ nanodots doped with low H⁺ and high NH₄⁺ exhibited ultrafast, repeatable dye degradation in the absence of light, indicating efficient ROS generation.
- Hydroxyl radicals (·OH) were identified as the primary ROS species responsible for the observed degradation.
- Multi-doped MoOₓ demonstrated selective biocatalytic potential, showing three-fold greater cytotoxicity towards HeLa cancer cells compared to HEK293T healthy cells within 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Multi-doped molybdenum oxide nanodots offer a promising biocompatible alternative to noble metals for targeted cancer therapy.
- The ability to modulate ROS generation through doping provides a pathway for developing selective cancer treatments.
- These findings highlight the potential of engineered metal oxides in advancing precision oncology by sparing healthy tissues.
