Cytotoxicity assessment of exfoliated MoS2 using primary human mast cells and the progenitor cell-derived mast cell line LAD2

Abstract

Molybdenum disulfide is an emerging 2D material with several potential applications in medicine. Therefore, it is crucial to ascertain its biocompatibility. Mast cells are immune cells that are found in many organs and tissues in contact with the extracellular environment, and can be cultured from progenitor cells present in the bone marrow. Given the long period required for differentiation and proliferation of primary mast cells, human mast cell lines have emerged as a tractable model for biological and toxicological studies. Here, we compare two types of industrial MoS₂ using CD34⁺-derived primary human mast cells and the LAD2 cell line. Minimal effects were observed on early-stage activation endpoints such as β-hexosaminidase release and expression of surface markers of mast cell activation. Transmission electron microscopy revealed limited uptake of the tested materials. Overall, MoS₂ was found to be biocompatible, and the LAD2 cell line was validated as a useful in vitro model of mast cells.