Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials in Biomedical Applications

Two-dimensional nanomaterials are atomically thin sheets whose high surface area, tunable electronic and optical properties, and mechanical flexibility lend themselves to a wide array of biomedical applications. Classes of 2D materials include graphene and its derivatives, transition metal dichalcogenides (such as MoS₂ and WS₂), MXenes, black phosphorus and layered oxides. Their ultrathin geometry facilitates intimate interaction with biological interfaces, enabling efficient drug loading, controlled release and deep tissue penetration. In biosensing and imaging, 2D materials support label-free detection and photoluminescent tracking, while in photothermal and photodynamic therapies they convert light into heat or reactive species to ablate diseased cells. Surface functionalisation with polymers, peptides or targeting ligands enhances biocompatibility and directs nanomaterials to specific cell types. Despite remarkable therapeutic potential, challenges remain in ensuring physiological stability, minimising off-target toxicity and achieving scalable, reproducible manufacture. Toxicological studies and biodegradation assessments are essential to guide safe clinical translation. With global demand for precision medicine and antimicrobial strategies on the rise, 2D nanomaterials are poised to impact drug delivery, diagnostics, regenerative medicine and infection control.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have investigated the biological interactions and antimicrobial behaviour of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. One report demonstrated green, water-dispersed MoS₂ nanosheets that selectively induced cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines while sparing normal epithelial cells, and revealed concentration-dependent antibacterial action against pathogenic Salmonella strains. Another study provided a comprehensive review of low-dimensional materials as emerging antimicrobials, analysing mechanisms of membrane disruption, oxidative stress induction and photothermal killing, and outlining design criteria for next-generation infection control agents. Collectively, these works highlight the dual therapeutic and antimicrobial functionality of ultrathin nanosheets and offer guidance on phase, defect and surface chemistry tuning to optimise efficacy and safety.

Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials in Biomedical Applications publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in two-dimensional nanomaterials in biomedical applications across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials: Ultrathin sheets one to a few atomic layers thick, offering high surface-to-volume ratio and unique interfacial properties.

Transition Metal Dichalcogenides (TMDCs): A family of layered compounds (MX₂) in which a transition metal M is sandwiched between chalcogen atoms X, exhibiting semiconducting or metallic phases.

Surface functionalisation: Chemical or physical modification of nanomaterial surfaces with polymers, biomolecules or ligands to enhance stability, targeting or biocompatibility.

Photothermal therapy: Treatment modality in which materials absorb near-infrared light and convert it into heat to destroy target cells or pathogens.

Biocompatibility: The ability of a material to perform its desired function without eliciting adverse biological responses in the host.

References

1. Biological interactions of biocompatible and water-dispersed MoS2 nanosheets with bacteria and human cells. Scientific Reports (2018).
2. A promising gene delivery system developed from PEGylated MoS2 nanosheets for gene therapy. Discover Nano (2014).
3. Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides: Synthesis, Biomedical Applications and Biosafety Evaluation. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology (2020).
4. Antipathogenic properties and applications of low-dimensional materials. Nature Communications (2021).
5. Phase-Dependent 1T/2H-MoS2 Nanosheets for Effective Photothermal Killing of Bacteria. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering (2022).