Self-assembled NIR-responsive MoS₂@quaternized chitosan/nanocellulose composite paper for recyclable antibacteria

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Paper products lack antibacterial properties, facilitating disease transmission.
• Developing antimicrobial materials is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create antibacterial nanocellulose paper using molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets.
• To enhance paper's antimicrobial capabilities via electrostatic self-assembly with quaternized chitosan (QCS).

Main Methods:

• Exfoliation and stabilization of MoS2 nanosheets with QCS via ultrasonication.
• Fabrication of MoS2@QCS/CNF composite paper through electrostatic interactions.
• Evaluation of antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus.

Main Results:

• The MoS2@QCS/CNF composite paper demonstrated potent photothermal and photodynamic antibacterial activity.
• Achieved over 99.9% inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus.
• Demonstrated sustained antibacterial performance over five cycles with no observed cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• The composite paper offers a promising solution for bacterial infection control.
• MoS2@QCS/CNF composite paper exhibits excellent mechanical strength, recyclability, and long-term antimicrobial properties.
• The antibacterial mechanism involves ROS-independent oxidative stress and hyperthermia induced by MoS2.