This database contains raw data from an in-depth study exploring the environmental applicability and biological impact of novel 2D nanomaterials, specifically Ti3C2Tx MXene and MoAlB@MBene. The dataset features comprehensive physicochemical characterization of both nanomaterials, elucidating their structural integrity, surface chemistry, optical properties, and elemental composition. The study emphasizes the transformation efficiency of MAX phases into MXenes and confirms the single-phase nature of MBenes. Biological assessments in this dataset focus on phytotoxicity and ecotoxicity across higher plant models. Key parameters include germination efficiency, root and shoot elongation, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content, and chlorophyll fluorescence, enabling evaluation of plant stress responses. Microscopy-based root system analyses provide insights into MXene-induced meristematic disruptions and MBene-stimulated lateral root development. Mass accumulation data detail concentration-dependent dry biomass changes, while X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis offers insights into nanomaterial uptake. Collectively, this dataset offers a foundational resource for understanding the dual potential of 2D nanomaterials in environmental applications and their biological interactions, underlining the importance of pre-application safety assessments for sustainable deployment.
1. Characterization of materials studied: This dataset presents comprehensive characterization results for Ti3C2Tx MXene and MoAlB@MBene. A range of analytical techniques has been employed to investigate their physicochemical properties in both solid and dispersed forms. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements reveal the particle size distribution of exfoliated nanosheets in colloidal suspension, offering insights into dispersion behavior and uniformity. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirms the elemental composition of both materials, highlighting the presence of key constituents such as titanium, molybdenum, aluminum, boron, and carbon. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify surface functional groups and chemical bonding, shedding light on structural modifications and surface chemistry. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm the crystallographic structure and phase purity of Ti3C2Tx MXene and MoAlB@MBene. UV-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) analyzed optical absorption characteristics. Zeta potential measurements assess surface charge and colloidal stability in aqueous media, crucial for understanding suspension behavior. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) captures detailed images of morphology, revealing the layered structure and surface textures of the synthesized materials. Digital photographs further illustrate the physical appearance of the materials in the form of dried powders. Graphic files (optical and SEM images) were saved in image file format (.jpg and .tif). Results in tabular form were saved in OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods). EDS spectra were saved in OpenDocument Text (.odt).
2. Phytotoxicity studies for Ti3C2Tx MXene: This dataset presents the results of phytotoxicity studies conducted on Ti3C2Tx MXene, aimed at evaluating its impact on plant growth and development over time. The study investigates the biological effects of MXene exposure on seed germination and early plant morphology, offering insights into its potential environmental interactions and biocompatibility. Digital images of the test plants were captured at 24, 48, and 72 h post-incubation with MXene to visually document changes in morphology, vitality, and developmental progress. These time-stamped images provide a qualitative assessment of MXene-induced stress responses across different exposure durations. A summary table of seed germination data is included, detailing the number of seeds that successfully germinated, based on the emergence of both roots and sprouts. This allows for quantification of MXene’s effect on the initial stages of plant development. Additionally, the dataset includes quantitative measurements of root length, sprout length, and total plant height collected at each incubation interval. These metrics help to assess the degree of phytotoxicity by comparing growth parameters between treated and control groups. Graphic files (photos of plates with plants during incubation) were saved in graphic file format (.jpg). Results in the form of tabular summaries were saved in OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods).
3. Phytotoxicity studies for MoAlB@MBene: This dataset presents the results of phytotoxicity studies conducted on MoAlB@MBene, aimed at evaluating its impact on plant growth and development over time. The study investigates the biological effects of MBene exposure on seed germination and early plant morphology, offering insights into its potential environmental interactions and biocompatibility. Digital images of the test plants were captured at 24, 48, and 72 h post-incubation with MBene to visually document changes in morphology, vitality, and developmental progress. These time-stamped images provide a qualitative assessment of MBene-induced stress responses across different exposure durations. A summary table of seed germination data is included, detailing the number of seeds that successfully germinated, based on the emergence of both roots and sprouts. This allows for quantification of MBene’s effect on the initial stages of plant development. Additionally, the dataset includes quantitative measurements of root length, sprout length, and total plant height collected at each incubation interval. These metrics help to assess the degree of phytotoxicity by comparing growth parameters between treated and control groups. Graphic files (photos of plates with plants during incubation) were saved in graphic file format (.jpg). Results in the form of tabular summaries were saved in OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods).
4. Microscopic observations: This dataset contains microscopic observations acquired using a transmission light microscope on plants that were incubated for 72 h with Ti3C2Tx MXene and MoAlB@MBene. The captured images reveal cellular and tissue-level responses, providing insights into how these nanomaterials interact with plant structures. Researchers can utilize these observations to assess potential morphological changes and underlying mechanisms of nanomaterial-induced phytotoxicity, contributing to a deeper understanding of the biocompatibility and environmental impact of these advanced materials. Graphic files (photos from an optical microscope) were saved in the graphic file format (.jpg).
5. Wet and dry mass of roots and sprouts: This dataset comprises quantitative measurements of both the wet and dry mass of roots and sprouts for plants incubated for 72 h with Ti3C2Tx MXene and MoAlB@MBene. Wet mass measurements were recorded immediately upon harvesting, while dry mass values were determined after drying the samples to constant weight. These data provide critical insights into the biomass accumulation and water content of the plants, offering a detailed assessment of the phytotoxic effects and overall impact of these nanomaterials on plant growth. This dataset is an invaluable resource for researchers investigating nanomaterial–plant interactions, environmental nanotoxicology, and the potential applications or risks associated with these advanced materials. Results in the form of tabular summaries were saved in OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods).
6. Quantitative studies of chlorophyll extracts: This dataset contains the results from UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements of chlorophyll extracts obtained from the green parts of plants. The plants were incubated with varying concentrations of Ti3C2Tx MXene and MoB@MBene, enabling the evaluation of how these nanomaterials affect chlorophyll content. The absorbance values recorded provide quantitative insights into the pigments' concentration, which can be used to assess changes in photosynthetic activity and overall plant health. This dataset serves as a valuable resource for researchers examining the interactions between nanomaterials and plant physiology, particularly in the context of environmental nanotoxicology and the safe use of advanced materials. Results in the form of tabular summaries were saved in OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods).
7. Qualitative studies of chlorophyll extracts: This dataset comprises results from fluorescence spectroscopy measurements for chlorophyll extracts obtained from the green parts of plants incubated with varying concentrations of Ti3C2Tx MXene and MoB@MBene. The measurements, which record fluorescence intensity values, provide qualitative insights into how these nanomaterials may affect the photosynthetic pigment properties and overall plant vitality. Additionally, an example photograph of the chlorophyll extract used in the study is included, offering visual context to the spectroscopic data. This resource is valuable for researchers investigating the impact of advanced nanomaterials on plant physiology, environmental nanotoxicology, and the mechanisms underlying changes in photosynthetic activity. The graphic file (sample photo of chlorophyll extract) was saved in the graphic file format (.jpg). The results in the form of tabulated summaries were saved in OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods).
8. Uptake studies: This dataset contains XRF measurements performed on the roots and sprouts of plants grown in soil enriched with Ti3C2Tx MXene and MoAlB@MBene. The analysis aims to assess the potential uptake and accumulation of these nanomaterials by the plants. These measurements provide critical insights into the distribution of elemental components within plant tissues, contributing to our understanding of environmental nanotoxicology and the behavior of advanced materials in soil-plant systems. This resource is valuable for researchers studying plant physiology, environmental safety, and the mechanisms of nanomaterial uptake. The list contains the spectrometer result files in .jspc format. These files can be opened with Notepad or exported to a spreadsheet (OpenDocument Spreadsheet, .ods), and then compared with the attached calibration line (saved as a sheet/table in .ods) in which each channel has been assigned an energy value (in keV). This data was uploaded in its original format because converting files from specialist software to open software would affect the quality of the data.
Additional information can also be found in the readme.txt file included with the collection.
