Beyond Graphene: Exploring Biological Interactions of Transition Metal Dichalcogenides and MXenes

Two-dimensional (2D) materials beyond graphene have attracted considerable interest due to their unique physicochemical properties.

The overall aim of the current proposal is to expand our knowledge regarding the biological interactions of 2D materials, i.e., transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides (collectively known as MXenes).

We will place particular emphasis on inflammation, the process by which our body protects us from harm, and we will address interactions with lung cells, as inhalation is an important route of exposure to foreign materials.

This proposal builds on previous research on graphene-based materials, and the goal is to pave the way for safe and sustainable handling and use of 2D materials.

The specific aims of this project are: (i) to profile the interactions of 2D materials with peripheral blood mononuclear cells with respect to cytocompatibility and cytokine responses using advanced single-cell analysis; (ii) to study the effects of 2D materials on primary human macrophages and lung cells, and the putative biotransformation of 2D materials in these cells; (iii) to investigate the biological impact of 2D materials at the molecular level using genome-wide transcriptomics approaches coupled with mass spectrometry-based proteomics; (iv) to explore the biological interactions of 2D materials in vivo using zebrafish embryos to model inflammation.