Spectroscopic profiling of lipid and protein alterations in kidney tissue induced by coated MoS2 quantum dots

Abstract

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) quantum dots (QDs) possess unique physicochemical properties that make them attractive for biomedical applications. However, their interactions with biological tissues at the molecular level remain insufficiently understood. In this study, we employed spectroscopic techniques to investigate molecular alterations in the lipids and proteins of murine kidney tissue following exposure to coated MoS₂ QDs. Healthy male SWR/J mice were divided into control and treated groups, with the latter receiving daily doses of encapsulated QDs. Spectroscopic analyses revealed subtle yet consistent changes in lipid composition and organization, evidenced by shifts in CH₂ and CH₃ stretching vibrations and decreased intensity in lipid-associated Raman bands. FTIR spectra also indicated a reduction in carbonyl ester content, suggesting lipid peroxidation effects. Additionally, minor perturbations in aromatic amino acid bands and heme-associated features were observed in UV-Vis spectra, indicating possible interactions with protein residues; however, no significant secondary structural changes in proteins were detected. These results demonstrate the utility of spectroscopic approaches in revealing molecular alterations induced by coated MoS₂ QDs in kidney tissue. Additionally, these findings confirm the importance of utilizing integrated spectroscopic approaches for evaluating the biocompatibility and safety of emerging nanomaterials at the molecular level.