Molybdenum disulfide nanosheets loaded with chitosan and silver nanoparticles effective antifungal activities: in vitro and in vivo

A method was developed for the liquid exfoliation of molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) from its bulk materials using ultrasound in aqueous phase with the assistance of chitosan (CS) and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) for effective loading of a variety of therapeutic molecules. The characterization results revealed that the as-made chemically-exfoliated MoS 2 nanosheets had an average thickness of ∼10 nm. The new material, CS and Ag NPs-modified MoS 2 (MoS 2 -CS-Ag), showed highly effective antifungal activities against Saccharomyces uvarum and Aspergillus niger . The Ag NPs-loaded MoS 2 nanosheets achieved outstanding antifungal effect by inhibiting fungal growth both in vitro and in vivo . Notably, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of spore morphological changes caused by MoS 2 -CS-Ag treatment reveal that it may directly cause the cell death. The result of the analysis of the application of MoS 2 -CS-Ag as an antifungal for fruits also demonstrated the MoS 2 -CS-Ag protective properties against fungi. The excellent film-forming ability of CS has been shown to contribute to the effectiveness of MoS 2 -CS-Ag in preserving the freshness of fruits, exhibited in four chemical quality sections: Vc, total carbohydrate, weight loss, and titratable acidity in fruit preservation application assay. The present study reports a new and exciting insight in a multi-functional drug carrier for protecting postharvest fruit.