Encapsulating MoS2-nanoflowers conjugated with chitosan oligosaccharide into electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds for photothermal inactivation of bacteria

The bacterial inactivation using near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation with spatiotemporal control is advantageous to deal with the emerging microbial infection and the drug resistance in the environment and health-care facilities. Here, nanoflower-like MoS2 prepared by electrolysis synthesis was functionalized with alpha-lipoic acid and chitosan oligosaccharide (MoS2-LA-COS) resulting in a highly biocompatible, well dispersive, and NIR photo-responsive composite. The produced nanocomposite of MoS2-LA-COS retained the nanoflower-like morphological feature, of which the hexagonal structure (2H phase) was similar with that of MoS2 according to the X-ray diffraction measurement. Moreover, the produced MoS2-LA-COS was efficiently loaded into the electrospun nanofiber membranes (ENFs) endowing the fibrous scaffold with outstanding photothermal performance. The antibacterial studies indicated a superior bactericidal effect of the formed membranes under NIR irradiation towards the inactivation of model G(-) Staphylococcus aureus and G(+) Escherichia coli strains, which was originated from the uniform distribution of MoS2-LA-COS on the fibrous scaffold. The produced MoS2-LA-COS nanofibrous membranes of good water vapor transmission rate and improved photothermal performance possess enormous potential for the development as well as the disposal of personal protective equipment such as medical masks. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

Bacterial inactivation using near-infrared light irradiation is beneficial for dealing with emerging microbial infections and drug resistance. A nanoflower-like MoS2 composite functionalized with alpha-lipoic acid and chitosan oligosaccharide showed high biocompatibility and responsiveness to near-infrared light. The composite, when loaded into electrospun nanofiber membranes, exhibited outstanding photothermal performance and superior bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.