Mixed-Metal 2D Chalcogenides\nMo<sub><i>x</i></sub>Re<sub>1–<i>x</i></sub>S<sub>2</sub> as Antifungal\nNear-Infrared-Responsive Nanozymes

Nanozymes have emerged as a promising class of antimicrobial\nagents\ndue to their broad-spectrum activity and negligible biotoxicity profiles.\nIn recent years, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have garnered\nsignificant attention for their diverse enzymatic properties, opening\navenues for research and applications in various fields. Notably,\nthe design of efficient multifunctional nanozymes based on TMDCs has\nemerged as a highly promising strategy for the treatment of fungal\ninfections. Herein, Mo<sub><i>x</i></sub>Re<sub>1–<i>x</i></sub>S<sub>2</sub> mixed-metal transition metal chalcogenides\nwith tuned composition have been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal\nmethod and tested for their nanozyme properties. Antifungal activities\nof Mo<sub>0.66</sub>Re<sub>0.34</sub>S<sub>1.85</sub> and Mo<sub>0.81</sub>Re<sub>0.19</sub>S<sub>1.76</sub> nanozymes were observed by scanning\nelectron microscopy (SEM) showing that the fungal skeletal structure\nwas either significantly deformed or completely collapsed. The Mo<sub>0.66</sub>Re<sub>0.34</sub>S<sub>1.85</sub> and Mo<sub>0.81</sub>Re<sub>0.19</sub>S<sub>1.76</sub> antifungal activities were also\ntested under 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) irradiation, showing photothermal\nenhancement. This work demonstrates temperature-augmented functional\nnanozymes for synergistic photothermal/biochemical eradication of\npathogens and contributes to the development of biologically active\nmultifunctional nanomaterials by rational design.