CVD-grown monolayer MoS2 in bioabsorbable electronics and biosensors

TLDR

Transient electronics are emerging devices that can dissolve or disintegrate, enabling resorbable biomedical implants, secure memory, and zero‑impact environmental sensors, with 2D materials offering unique mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties for these systems. The study aims to evaluate the bioabsorption, cytotoxicity, and immunological biocompatibility of CVD‑grown monolayer MoS₂ and to develop a bioabsorbable, multifunctional sensor for intracranial monitoring of pressure, temperature, strain, and motion. Researchers synthesized monolayer MoS₂ via CVD, performed long‑term cytotoxicity and immunological tests in biofluids and live animal tissues, and engineered a sensor integrating MoS₂ for simultaneous intracranial physiological measurements. MoS₂ hydrolyzes slowly in aqueous solutions without adverse biological effects, and the developed sensor demonstrates clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, supporting broader use of 2D materials in transient electronics.

Abstract

Abstract Transient electronics represents an emerging technology whose defining feature is an ability to dissolve, disintegrate or otherwise physically disappear in a controlled manner. Envisioned applications include resorbable/degradable biomedical implants, hardware-secure memory devices, and zero-impact environmental sensors. 2D materials may have essential roles in these systems due to their unique mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical properties. Here, we study the bioabsorption of CVD-grown monolayer MoS 2 , including long-term cytotoxicity and immunological biocompatibility evaluations in biofluids and tissues of live animal models. The results show that MoS 2 undergoes hydrolysis slowly in aqueous solutions without adverse biological effects. We also present a class of MoS 2 -based bioabsorbable and multi-functional sensor for intracranial monitoring of pressure, temperature, strain, and motion in animal models. Such technology offers specific, clinically relevant roles in diagnostic/therapeutic functions during recovery from traumatic brain injury. Our findings support the broader use of 2D materials in transient electronics and qualitatively expand the design options in other areas.