MoS2-based nanocomposites for cancer diagnosis and therapy

Jianling Wang; Lihua Sui; Jia Huang; Lu Miao; Yubing Nie; Kuansong Wang; Zhichun Yang; Qiong Huang; Xue Gong; Yayun Nan; Kelong Ai

doi:10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.04.021

MoS₂-based nanocomposites for cancer diagnosis and therapy

Bioact Mater. 2021 Apr 27;6(11):4209-4242. doi: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.04.021. eCollection 2021 Nov.

Authors

Jianling Wang^{1

2}, Lihua Sui^{1

2}, Jia Huang^{1

2}, Lu Miao^{1

2}, Yubing Nie^{1

2}, Kuansong Wang^{3

4}, Zhichun Yang^{1

2}, Qiong Huang⁵, Xue Gong⁶, Yayun Nan⁷, Kelong Ai^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
² Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China.
³ Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China.
⁴ Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
⁵ Department of Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
⁶ Department of Radiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China.
⁷ Geriatric Medical Center, Ningxia People's Hospital, Yinchuan, China.

Abstract

Molybdenum is a trace dietary element necessary for the survival of humans. Some molybdenum-bearing enzymes are involved in key metabolic activities in the human body (such as xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase and sulfite oxidase). Many molybdenum-based compounds have been widely used in biomedical research. Especially, MoS₂-nanomaterials have attracted more attention in cancer diagnosis and treatment recently because of their unique physical and chemical properties. MoS₂ can adsorb various biomolecules and drug molecules via covalent or non-covalent interactions because it is easy to modify and possess a high specific surface area, improving its tumor targeting and colloidal stability, as well as accuracy and sensitivity for detecting specific biomarkers. At the same time, in the near-infrared (NIR) window, MoS₂ has excellent optical absorption and prominent photothermal conversion efficiency, which can achieve NIR-based phototherapy and NIR-responsive controlled drug-release. Significantly, the modified MoS₂-nanocomposite can specifically respond to the tumor microenvironment, leading to drug accumulation in the tumor site increased, reducing its side effects on non-cancerous tissues, and improved therapeutic effect. In this review, we introduced the latest developments of MoS₂-nanocomposites in cancer diagnosis and therapy, mainly focusing on biosensors, bioimaging, chemotherapy, phototherapy, microwave hyperthermia, and combination therapy. Furthermore, we also discuss the current challenges and prospects of MoS₂-nanocomposites in cancer treatment.

Keywords: Bioimaging; Biosensor; Cancer; Chemotherapy; Combination therapy; Microwave hyperthermia; MoS2; Phototherapy.

Publication types

Review