Transforming MoS2 Clusters for Better Biocatalytic Action

MoS2 is a widely available material with a stable structure, adjustable energy gap, and easy shear properties. These features make it valuable in fields like catalysis and biomedicine. However, its biocatalytic activity needs improvement for practical use in biomedicine. In this study, scientists created tiny, water-soluble MoS2 clusters with excellent antioxidant and enzyme-like actions by tweaking their valence. By using cerium (Ce) doping, these MoS2 clusters showed better antioxidant activity than those doped with other elements like rhenium (Re), thallium (Tl), and neodymium (Nd). Specifically, Ce-MoS2 clusters had about 1. 7 times the antioxidant activity and over 30 times the superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity compared to regular MoS2 clusters. These Ce-MoS2 clusters also showed exceptional ability to clear reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, especially hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and superoxide ions (O2·−). The boost in biocatalytic activity is due to the combined effect of valence engineering (Mo4+/Mo6+) and energy-level adjustment in MoS2 clusters via Ce doping. This approach offers a universal method to enhance the biocatalytic activity of MoS2 clusters, which could be crucial in treating inflammatory diseases.