Cost-effective synthesis of 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanocrystals: An exploration of the influence on cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and bio-imaging

Abstract

Ultrasmall MoS2 nanocrystals have unique optoelectronic and catalytic properties that have acquired significant attraction in many areas. We propose here a simple and economical method for synthesizing the luminescent nanocrystals MoS2 using the hydrothermal technique. In addition, the synthesized MoS2 nanocrystals display photoluminescence that is tunable according to size. MoS2 nanocrystals have many advantages, such as stable dispersion, low toxicity and luminescent characteristics, offering their encouraging applicability in biomedical disciplines. In this study, human lung cancer epithelial cells (A549) are used to assess fluorescence imaging of MoS2 nanocrystals. MTT assay, trypan blue assay, flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging results have shown that MoS2 nanocrystals can selectively target and destroy lung cancer cells, especially drug-resistant cells (A549).

Biosafety of inorganic nanomaterials for theranostic applications

“…The results demonstrate the potentially hazardous nature of Mo-NPs suggesting the need for more advanced research on Mo NPs. Sahoo et al developed simple and low-cost method for synthesizing the luminescent MoS 2 nanoparticles and estimated their cytotoxicity for use in the treatment of lung cancer[176]. The cytotoxicity of MoS 2 nanoparticles to the human lung cancer epithelial cells (A549) was tested.…”