Sulfated Polysaccharides Mediated Liquid Exfoliation of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanosheets: Preparation and Antibacterial Assessment

Abstract

Microbial afflictions represent a significant global public health concern. The overuse of antibiotics and the ineffectiveness of conventional antibiotic therapies present substantial challenges in the biomedical field. Consequently, research scientific efforts are focused on developing nanoparticle-based microbial agents to address the escalating issue of antimicrobial resistance. In the present study, we synthesized fucoidan combined with molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets using the liquid exfoliation technique, followed by thorough characterization. The UV-visible spectrum analysis revealed prominent absorption peaks at 610 and 672 nm, indicative of the successful formation of F-MoS₂ nanosheets. Subsequent antimicrobial assays demonstrated the exceptional antibacterial efficacy of the developed F-MoS₂ nanosheets against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Moreover, in vivo toxicity assessment using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model disclosed that concentrations exceeding 125 µg/mL led to a reduction in the number of fertilized eggs laid by the worms. Furthermore, concentrations of 250 µg/mL resulted in delays in the reproductive cycle and impaired developmental fitness. Thus, the developed F-MoS₂ nanosheets exhibit promising prospects for application within the realm of biomedicine.

Graphical abstract