Unlocking the potential of low-dimensional MoS2 as a smart nanoplatform for environmental technologies, therapeutic strategies, and biomedical sensing

Abstract

As one of the representative layered transition metal dichalcogenides (LTMDC), molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) has been widely researched as a promising nanoplatform for biomedicine as well as green technologies. The features of high surface-to-volume ratio, tunable bandgap, and good biocompatibility make it a promising candidate for therapeutic strategies, biomedical detection, and environmental applications. Low-dimensional MoS₂ has been widely investigated for drug delivery, bioimaging, photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), biosensing, and environmental innovations in the past few years, owing to its strong interaction with biomolecules and the cellular microenvironment. The utility of MoS₂ as an alternative to traditional nanomaterials has been assisted by various functionalization strategies to improve solubility, stability, and targeted applications. Moreover, MoS₂-based biosensors have demonstrated remarkable sensitivity for detecting biomolecules, pathogens, and disease-specific biomarkers that enable early and accurate disease diagnosis. This ability is critical to precision medicine, which allows for personalized treatment approaches, real-time health monitoring, and target activation or suppression of pathways based on a patient's biological profile. Additionally, it has become a beacon of environmental application innovation, providing long-term answers to urgent ecological problems. Because of special physicochemical characteristics, contaminants, including gases, organic compounds, heavy metals, and radionuclides, can be effectively removed from the environment, leading to cleaner air and water supplies. Nonetheless, industrial translation of MoS₂ requires the resolution of toxicity, long-term stability, and large-scale synthesis issues. This review aims to comprehensively discuss the recent development, biomedical and environmental applications, challenges, and future perspectives of low-dimensional MoS₂ in the field of next-generation sustainable technology.