Work

MoS2-x/C Nanosheets for Antifungal and Anti-Inflammatory Therapy of Aspergillus fumigatus Keratitis in Mice

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the therapeutic potential of sulfur vacancy-molybdenum disulfide/carbon composite nanosheets (MoS 2-x /C NS) in Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis in mice. Methods: The in vitro antifungal efficacy of MoS 2-x /C NS against A. fumigatus was evaluated by propidium iodide (PI) staining, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, and biofilm formation assays. Toxicity assessments of the MoS 2-x /C NS were conducted using a Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay kit for in vitro cytotoxicity and the Draize eye test for in vivo ocular irritation. The severity of fungal keratitis in mice was assessed using clinical scoring, plate counting, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of MoS 2-x /C NS was determined by quantifying inflammatory factor levels using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results: In vitro, MoS 2 −x /C NS significantly inhibited A. fumigatus growth, demonstrated favorable biocompatibility, and reduced the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) stimulated by inactivated A. fumigatus hyphae. In vivo, MoS 2 −x /C NS treatment significantly reduced fungal load, attenuated pathological corneal damage, and suppressed IL-6 and TNF-α levels, effectively alleviating A. fumigatus keratitis in mice. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that MoS 2-x /C NS possesses significant therapeutic potential for fungal keratitis mediated through dual antifungal and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, thereby improving the prognosis of A. fumigatus keratitis. Keywords: MoS 2 −x /C NS, sulfur vacancy, Aspergillus fumigatus keratitis, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, nanomaterial therapy

Source: International Journal of Nanomedicine

DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s552664