Molybdenum Disulfide Nanoparticles Coated with Silver Nanoparticles for Low-Toxicity and Dual Photothermal–Chemical Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

In this paper, a simple method has been used to synthesize silver-molybdenum disulfide nanoparticles (Ag-MoS2NPs) with photothermal and physical inhibition of bacteria. The MoS2nanocarriers were obtained by an environment-friendly liquid-phase separation method. The coated Ag NPs with high antibacterial activity and fluorescence property endowed the synthesized Ag-MoS2NPs with the ability to be traced. The Ag-MoS2NPs had photothermal properties with a maximum photothermal increase of [Formula: see text]C. The results of the dual photothermal–chemical antibacterial activity using Ag-MoS2NP carriers showed that Ag-MoS2NPs had broad-spectrum inhibition activity with MIC values up to [Formula: see text][Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g/mL against Escherichia coli. The Ag-MoS2NPs were also used to destroy cell integrity by disrupting cell membranes and cell walls to achieve the inhibition of cell survival. The toxicity test in mice demonstrated the nontoxicity of Ag-MoS2NPs. Ag-MoS2NPs were studied for dual photothermal–chemical antibacterial activity, and the material reduced the amount of Ag NPs used, resulting in lower biotoxicity, hence providing a possible avenue for the clinical application of Ag NPs.