Antibacterial activity of two-dimensional MoS2 Nanostructures: Effects of reaction time and temperature on morphology

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) has garnered significant attention as a promising material for antibacterial applications. In this study, two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 nanostructures were synthesized using a hydrothermal method, and we investigated the effects of reaction time and temperature on their morphology and antibacterial efficacy. The SEM image of the sample synthesized at 160 degrees C for 3 h reveals that the sample made up of uniformly spherical nanoparticles with an approximate diameter of 40 nm. Our results indicate that increasing the reaction time at a temperature of 160 degrees C resulted in a decrease in the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. The optimal concentration for antibacterial activity was found to be 0.5 mg/mL at a temperature of 190 degrees C, with corresponding cell viability reductions of approximately 13 %, 34 %, and 20 % for reaction times of 3, 6, and 9 h, respectively (P < 0.001). For all samples, the maximum concentration yielding effective antibacterial activity was 1 mg/mL. Furthermore, at a reaction temperature of 220 degrees C, an increase in reaction time also led to a decline in antibacterial activity. Notably, a reaction time of 20 min exhibited the most significant antibacterial effect.