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

Ultrasmall MoS(2) 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 MoS(2) using the hydrothermal technique. In addition, the synthesized MoS(2) nanocrystals display photoluminescence that is tunable according to size. MoS(2) 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 MoS(2) nanocrystals. MTT assay, trypan blue assay, flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging results have shown that MoS(2) nanocrystals can selectively target and destroy lung cancer cells, especially drug-resistant cells (A549).