MoS2-x/C Nanosheets for Antifungal and Anti-Inflammatory Therapy of Aspergillus fumigatus Keratitis in Mice.

PURPOSE: To investigate the therapeutic potential of sulfur vacancy-molybdenum disulfide/carbon composite nanosheets (MoS2-x/C NS) in Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis in mice.

METHODS

The in vitro antifungal efficacy of MoS2-x/C NS against A. fumigatus was evaluated by propidium iodide (PI) staining, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, and biofilm formation assays. Toxicity assessments of the MoS2-x/C NS were conducted using a Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay kit for in vitro cytotoxicity and the Draize eye test for in vivo ocular irritation. The severity of fungal keratitis in mice was assessed using clinical scoring, plate counting, and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of MoS2-x/C NS was determined by quantifying inflammatory factor levels using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

RESULTS

In vitro, MoS2 -x/C NS significantly inhibited A. fumigatus growth, demonstrated favorable biocompatibility, and reduced the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) stimulated by inactivated A. fumigatus hyphae. In vivo, MoS2 -x/C NS treatment significantly reduced fungal load, attenuated pathological corneal damage, and suppressed IL-6 and TNF-α levels, effectively alleviating A. fumigatus keratitis in mice.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that MoS2-x/C NS possesses significant therapeutic potential for fungal keratitis mediated through dual antifungal and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, thereby improving the prognosis of A. fumigatus keratitis.