Mixed-Metal 2D Chalcogenides Mo_xRe_1–xS₂ as Antifungal Near-Infrared-Responsive Nanozymes

Nanozymes have emerged as a promising class of antimicrobial agents due to their broad-spectrum activity and negligible biotoxicity profiles. In recent years, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have garnered significant attention for their diverse enzymatic properties, opening avenues for research and applications in various fields. Notably, the design of efficient multifunctional nanozymes based on TMDCs has emerged as a highly promising strategy for the treatment of fungal infections. Herein, Mo x Re 1– x S 2 mixed-metal transition metal chalcogenides with tuned composition have been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method and tested for their nanozyme properties. Antifungal activities of Mo 0.66 Re 0.34 S 1.85 and Mo 0.81 Re 0.19 S 1.76 nanozymes were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showing that the fungal skeletal structure was either significantly deformed or completely collapsed. The Mo 0.66 Re 0.34 S 1.85 and Mo 0.81 Re 0.19 S 1.76 antifungal activities were also tested under 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, showing photothermal enhancement. This work demonstrates temperature-augmented functional nanozymes for synergistic photothermal/biochemical eradication of pathogens and contributes to the development of biologically active multifunctional nanomaterials by rational design.