Astrocyte Interactions With Ti3C2Tx MXene Flakes: Insights Into Viability, Morphology, and Functionality

Abstract

Astrocytes, the most abundant cell type in the brain, are increasingly recognized as active regulators of neuronal function and potential therapeutic targets. Two-dimensional MXenes, such as titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx), hold promise for neural interfaces and bioelectronic applications owing to their favorable electrochemical properties, but their compatibility with glial cells has yet to be investigated. Here, the first systematic evaluation of astrocyte–MXene interactions is reported by exposing cortical rat astrocytes to varying concentrations of Ti3C2Tx in aqueous dispersions. Phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy showed individual flakes and larger aggregates on astrocyte membranes with no detectable damage. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated robust astrocyte viability, morphological analysis indicated no significant changes in cell structure, and calcium imaging revealed no changes in spontaneous Ca2⁺ activity between control and Ti3C2Tx-treated cultures. These findings establish a foundation for the integration of Ti3C2Tx into next-generation neural interfaces while underscoring the need for further exploration of MXene-based tools for astrocyte-targeted neuromodulation.