Search

Metal-sulphur phase-based semiconductor materials are often investigated in the field of nanotechnology. Herein, we describe the synthetic route to obtain Mo2S3nanocrystals from MoS2via a laser-furnace technique. These nanocrystals have been tested for cytotoxicity against the monocytic leukemic THP-1 cell line. The synthetic process caused a phase change from MoS2to Mo2S3at a temperature of 1100 °C and a pressure of 400 Torr. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the crystallinity and structure and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the chemical composition and oxidation states of the Mo2S3nanocrystals. The morphology of the Mo2S3has been observed by using field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The in vitrocytotoxicity evaluation of the Mo2S3nanocrystals was determined in the THP-1 cell line. The cytotoxic potential of the Mo2S3against THP-1 cells was assessed by the WST-1 assay and intracellular caspase activities. The caspase activities were significantly elevated indicating the initiation of both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways when compared to untreated cells. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed that the Mo2S3NCs compromised the cell membrane integrity resulting in a loss of THP-1 cell viability and apoptosis. Thus, Mo2S3is an aqueous nanocrystal which shows promising cytotoxicity effect against THP-1 with good photoluminescent properties.