Synthesis and biocompatibility studies of 2D molybdenum carbide (MXene) nanosheets and their potential uses

This study aims to evaluate the biocompatibility and explore the potential biomedical applications of two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum carbide (Mo₂CTх) MXene. Mo₂CTх MXene was synthesized by etching Mo₂Ga₂C using a Minimally Intensive Layer Delamination (MILD) method combined with hydrofluoric acid (HF). The structural and functional characteristics of the resulting material were characterized using UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD, and FESEM. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella sonnei, while biocompatibility was evaluated through in vitro testing on A549 lung epithelial cells and in vivo analysis using zebrafish embryos. UV-Vis analysis showed characteristic absorption peaks at 220 nm and 550 nm. FT-IR confirmed the presence of surface functional groups. XRD results indicated high phase purity, and FESEM revealed a typical layered 2D morphology. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated a concentration-dependent response, with stronger inhibitory effects against S. aureus than S. sonnei. Biocompatibility studies showed high cell viability at low concentrations and no significant toxicity or morphological abnormalities in zebrafish embryos. Mo₂CTх MXene exhibits strong antimicrobial activity alongside excellent biocompatibility, highlighting its promise for biomedical applications. However, further studies focusing on long-term safety and functional surface modifications are needed to support its use in targeted therapeutic interventions.