DOI: 10.18150/s5egoc
title: Characterization of colloidal and cytotoxic properties of Nb2CTx MXene stabilized with macromolecules

description: This database contains raw data from a comprehensive study focused on the stabilization and biological evaluation of Nb₂CTₓ MXene through a tandem surface modification strategy. The dataset includes physicochemical characterization of the parental MAX phase and synthesized Nb₂CTₓ MXene, as well as detailed analyses of surface modifications using L-ascorbic acid (LA) combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly-L-lysine (PLL), and polydopamine (PDA). Characterization covers morphology, structure, elemental composition, surface chemistry, zeta potential behavior, and colloidal stability in biological media (PBS and DMEM) over time. Additionally, the dataset contains biocompatibility assessments performed on skin cell lines (A375, HaCaT) across a range of MXene concentrations (0–100 mg L⁻¹), demonstrating the maintenance of non-cytotoxic behavior. Comparative stability data highlight the synergistic role of dual-modification systems, with LA/PEG and LA/PDA combinations exhibiting the most stable profiles. These findings underscore the effectiveness of tandem stabilization strategies in preventing oxidation and aggregation while preserving MXene bioactivity, supporting their potential use in clinically oriented nanomedical applications.1. Characterization_of_MAX_and_MXene.zip: This dataset provides comprehensive characterization data for MAX and MXene, a two-dimensional transition metal carbide investigated for its stability, biocompatibility, and potential use in biomedical applications. Multiple analytical techniques were employed to examine both the morphology and structural features of the synthesized MXene and to compare it with the parental MAX phase. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) delivers detailed surface images, revealing the layered morphology characteristic of delaminated MXene structures. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), supported by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) and Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) analysis, provides high-resolution insight into lattice orientation, layer spacing, and crystallographic order. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) confirms the elemental distribution and verifies the presence of niobium, carbon, and surface terminations. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis identifies the crystalline structure and confirms the successful transformation from MAX to MXene phase, while X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) offers quantitative elemental composition profiles. UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) assesses the optical absorption behavior, providing information on dispersion quality and stability in solution. Dynamic Particle Analysis (DPA) captures particle motion and hydrodynamic behavior, contributing to an understanding of colloidal interactions and nanosheet distribution. This dataset is valuable for researchers focusing on MXene synthesis, surface stabilization, nanostructure characterization, and biomedical nanomaterial development, offering a robust foundation for further experimental and application-oriented studies.2. Raman_spectroscopy_measurements_for_Nb₂CTₓ_MXene-based_composites.zip: This dataset contains Raman spectroscopy measurements used to evaluate structural features and surface chemistry modifications of Nb₂CTₓ MXene and its stabilized composite forms. The collection includes spectra recorded for pristine Nb₂CTₓ MXene, individual modifier solutions—L-ascorbic acid (LA), poly-L-lysine (PLL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polydopamine (PDA)—as well as MXene samples subjected to tandem surface modifications. For the modified samples, a standardized naming convention was applied, e.g., Nb₂CTₓ MXene + L-ascorbic acid + Polyethylene glycol, to clearly reflect the composition of each system. Raman spectroscopy in this dataset enables the analysis of vibrational modes, bonding environments, and potential shifts resulting from surface functionalization. Comparative interpretation of peak intensity, position, and band broadening provides insight into how each modifier influences the structural integrity and chemical state of Nb₂CTₓ layers. The dataset also supports correlation of modification strategy with oxidation suppression and colloidal stability. All collected spectral data are organized in .ods format, facilitating direct access, visualization, and further processing in open-source spreadsheet software. This dataset is valuable for researchers studying MXene surface chemistry, stabilization mechanisms, phonon behavior, and structure–property relationships in two-dimensional nanomaterials.3. Stability_tests_in_DMEM.zip: This dataset presents comprehensive stability measurements for pristine Nb₂CTₓ MXene and its variants stabilized with macromolecular modifiers (L-ascorbic acid (LA), poly-L-lysine (PLL), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and polydopamine (PDA)), all dispersed and stored in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM). The stability evaluation was conducted over a period of 72 hours, with measurements taken at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours to monitor time-dependent changes in dispersion behavior. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) data are provided in both intensity and number distributions, allowing for a detailed assessment of particle size evolution and aggregation trends. Zeta potential measurements capture changes in surface charge, providing insight into colloidal stability under biologically relevant conditions. Dynamic Particle Analysis (DPA) includes parameters such as ECAD and Circularity, along with additional descriptors recorded by the instrument; although not all parameters were discussed in the publication, they remain available for extended analysis. A consistent naming convention was used to clearly identify sample composition and time point, for example: Nb₂CTₓ MXene + L-ascorbic acid + Polyethylene glycol t72, indicating an MXene sample modified with L-ascorbic acid and polyethylene glycol measured after 72 hours of incubation. Additionally, the dataset includes a photographic comparison of dispersions at each time interval (0, 24, 48, and 72 h), visually illustrating relative stability and sedimentation behavior across sample groups. All datasets are provided in .ods format, ensuring compatibility with open-source spreadsheet platforms. This package is valuable for researchers studying colloidal stability, MXene surface chemistry, nanomaterial–medium interactions, and long-term performance of 2D nanostructures under physiological conditions.4. Stability_tests_in_PBS.zip: This dataset provides long-term stability measurements for pristine Nb₂CTₓ MXene and its macromolecule-stabilized variants dispersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The stability assessment was conducted over a 6-week period, with data collected at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks to evaluate gradual changes in colloidal behavior under physiologically relevant salt conditions. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements are included in both intensity and number distributions, enabling detailed monitoring of nanosheet aggregation and particle size evolution over time. Zeta potential data capture changes in surface charge and interparticle repulsion as the dispersion ages, providing insight into electrostatic stabilization efficiency. Dynamic Particle Analysis (DPA) records hydrodynamic behavior parameters such as ECAD and Circularity, along with additional metrics available for extended or exploratory analysis. A standardized naming convention was used to clearly denote composition and time point, for example: Nb₂CTₓ MXene + L-ascorbic acid + Polydopamine t5w, indicating an MXene sample modified with L-ascorbic acid and polydopamine measured after 5 weeks of incubation in PBS. All datasets are stored in .ods format to ensure compatibility with open-access spreadsheet software and facilitate straightforward data examination and comparison. This dataset is particularly useful for researchers investigating MXene stability, surface modification strategies, colloidal behavior in physiological ionic environments, and long-term material reliability in biomedical or environmental conditions.5. Results_of_cytotoxicity_studies.zip: This dataset contains quantitative results from cytotoxicity evaluations of Nb₂CTₓ MXene and its stabilized forms on two skin-related cell lines: A375 (human malignant melanoma) and HaCaT (human keratinocytes). The measurements represent cell viability readouts (absorbance intensity) collected in four independent replicates for each tested sample and concentration. The dataset includes results for: pristine Nb₂CTₓ MXene, Nb₂CTₓ MXene + L-ascorbic acid + Polyethylene glycol, Nb₂CTₓ MXene + L-ascorbic acid + Polydopamine. Cell viability was assessed across a concentration range of 0–500 mg L⁻¹, allowing direct comparison of the influence of stabilization strategies on biological response. All data are stored in .ods spreadsheets, organized to enable: cross-material comparisons, analysis of dose–response trends, evaluation of biocompatibility relationships between pristine and modified MXene variants. This dataset is useful for researchers investigating MXene cytocompatibility, nanomaterial surface modification effects, and material selection for bio-oriented applications.