GPCR Activation and Endocytosis Induced by a 2D Material Agonist

Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides: Synthesis, Biomedical Applications and Biosafety Evaluation

Recently, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDCs) have drawn certain attentions in many fields. The unique and diversified electronic structure and ultrathin sheet structure of 2D TMDCs offer opportunities for moving ahead of other 2D nanomaterials such as graphene and expanding the wide application of inorganic 2D nanomaterials in many fields. For a better understanding of 2D TMDCs, one needs to know methods for their synthesis and modification, as well as their potential applications and possible biological toxicity. Herein, we summarized the recent research progress of 2D TMDCs with particular focus on their biomedical applications and potential health risks. Firstly, two kinds of synthesis methods of 2D TMDCs, top-down and bottom-up, and methods for their surface functionalization are reviewed. Secondly, the applications of 2D TMDCs in the field of biomedicine, including drug loading, photothermal therapy, biological imaging and biosensor were summarized. After that, we presented the existing researches on biosafety evaluation of 2D TMDCs. At last, we discussed major research gap in current researches and challenges and coping strategies in future studies.

Supramolecular fluorogenic peptide sensor array based on graphene oxide for the differential sensing of ebola virus

Principal component analysis of a fluorescent supramolecular sensor array based on graphene oxide can be used to differentiate ebola virus from marburg virus and receptor-extensive vesicular stomatitis virus.

Fluorescence imaging of a potential diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer cells using a peptide-functionalized fluorogenic 2D material

Protein C receptor (PROCR) is a recently discovered transmembrane biomarker for several tissue stem cells and is highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patient-derived xenografts. Herein, to enrich the toolbox for the biochemical evaluation of PROCR, we have developed a peptide-functionalized fluorogenic 2D material based on the self-assembly between a fluorescent peptide probe and thin-layer molybdenum disulfide. The material developed was suitable for the sensitive detection of PROCR recombinant protein in buffer solution and the fluorescence imaging of TNBC cells that express high levels of PROCR.

Remote Induction of Cell Autophagy by 2D MoS2 Nanosheets via Perturbing Cell Surface Receptors and mTOR Pathway from Outside of Cells

The ability of nanoparticles to induce adverse consequences in human cells relies on their physical shapes. In this aspect, how two-dimensional nanoparticles differ from three-dimensional nanoparticles is not well-known. To elucidate this difference, combined experimental and theoretical approaches are employed to compare MoS₂ nanosheets with 5-layer and 40-layer thicknesses for their cellular effects and the associated molecular events. At a concentration as defined by the nanosheet surface areas (10 cm²/mL), 40-layer nanosheets are internalized by cells, whereas 5-layer nanosheets mostly bind to the cell surface without internalization. Although they alter different autophagy-related genes, a common mechanism is that they both perturb cell surface protein amyloid precursor proteins and activate the mTOR signaling pathway. Our findings prove that the perturbation of cellular function without nanoparticle internalization has significant nanomedicinal and nanotoxicological significances.

Photoreaction-driven two-dimensional periodic polyrotaxane-type supramolecular nanoarchitecture

A stable 2D supramolecular assembly was constructed with photoreaction-driven transformation from polypseudorotaxane to polyrotaxane, which could capture C₆₀ in water and present excellent DNA cleavage ability and photodynamic therapy effect.

Assessing and Mitigating the Hazard Potential of Two-Dimensional Materials

The family of two-dimensional (2D) materials is comprised of a continually expanding palette of unique compositions and properties with potential applications in electronics, optoelectronics, energy capture and storage, catalysis, and nanomedicine. To accelerate the implementation of 2D materials in widely disseminated technologies, human health and environmental implications need to be addressed. While extensive research has focused on assessing the toxicity and environmental fate of graphene and related carbon nanomaterials, the potential hazards of other 2D materials have only recently begun to be explored. Herein, the toxicity and environmental fate of postcarbon 2D materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides, hexagonal boron nitride, and black phosphorus, are reviewed as a function of their preparation methods and surface functionalization. Specifically, we delineate how the hazard potential of 2D materials is directly related to structural parameters and physicochemical properties and how experimental design is critical to the accurate elucidation of the underlying toxicological mechanisms. Finally, a multidisciplinary approach for streamlining the hazard assessment of emerging 2D materials is outlined, thereby providing a pathway for accelerating their safe use in a range of technologically relevant contexts.

Multivalent Interactions between 2D Nanomaterials and Biointerfaces

2D nanomaterials, particularly graphene, offer many fascinating physicochemical properties that have generated exciting visions of future biological applications. In order to capitalize on the potential of 2D nanomaterials in this field, a full understanding of their interactions with biointerfaces is crucial. The uptake pathways, toxicity, long-term fate of 2D nanomaterials in biological systems, and their interactions with the living systems are fundamental questions that must be understood. Here, the latest progress is summarized, with a focus on pathogen, mammalian cell, and tissue interactions. The cellular uptake pathways of graphene derivatives will be discussed, along with health risks, and interactions with membranes-including bacteria and viruses-and the role of chemical structure and modifications. Other novel 2D nanomaterials with potential biomedical applications, such as transition-metal dichalcogenides, transition-metal oxide, and black phosphorus will be discussed at the end of this review.

Glypican-3-targeted precision diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma on clinical sections with a supramolecular 2D imaging probe

The ability of chemical tools to effectively detect malignancy in frozen sections removed from patients during surgery is important for the timely determination of the subsequent surgical program. However, current clinical methods for tissue imaging rely on dye-based staining or antibody-based techniques, which are sluggish and complicated. Methods: Here, we have developed a 2D material-based supramolecular imaging probe for the simple, rapid yet precise diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The 2D probe is constructed through supramolecular self-assembly between a water soluble, fluorescent peptide ligand that selectively targets glypican-3 (GPC-3, a specific cell-surface biomarker for HCC) and 2D molybdenum disulfide that acts as a fluorescence quencher as well as imaging enhancer. Results: We show that the 2D imaging probe developed with minimal background fluorescence can sensitively and selectively image cells overexpressing GPC-3 over a range of control cells expressing other membrane proteins. Importantly, we demonstrate that the 2D probe is capable of rapidly (signal became readable within 1 min) imaging HCC tissues over para-carcinoma regions in frozen sections derived from HCC patients; the results are in accordance with those obtained using traditional clinical staining methods. Conclusion: Compared to conventional staining methods, which are laborious (e.g., over 30 min is needed for antibody-based immunosorbent assays) and complex (e.g., diagnosis is based on discrimination of the nucleus morphology of cancer cells from that of normal cells), our probe, with its simplicity and quickness, might become a promising candidate for tumor-section staining as well as fluorescence imaging-guided surgery.