Graphene-based nanomaterials: the promising active agents for antibiotics-independent antibacterial applications

• Published in: Journal of controlled release Vol. 307; pp. 16 - 31
• Main Authors: Xia, Meng-Ying, Xie, Yu, Yu, Chen-Hao, Chen, Ge-Yun, Li, Yuan-Hong, Zhang, Ting, Peng, Qiang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 10.08.2019
• Subjects: adverse effects; antibacterial properties; antibiotics; Antimicrobial agent; cutting; Drug resistance; drugs; Graphene; graphene oxide; human health; humans; Infection; Microorganism; Nanomaterials; oxidative stress; photothermotherapy; physicochemical properties; virulent strains; Infection; Nanomaterials; Microorganism; Drug resistance; Graphene; Antimicrobial agent
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.06.011

Graphene-based nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), have shown great potentials in drug delivery and photodynamic/photothermal therapy due to their featured structure and physicochemical properties. In recent years, their antibacterial potentials have also been exploited. The commonly recognized antibacterial mechanisms include sharp edge-mediated cutting effect, oxidative stress and cell entrapment. This antibacterial activity is very important for human health. As we know, infection with the pathogenic bacteria, especially the drug-resistant ones, is a great threat to human lives. Thus, the development of the antibiotics-independent and drug-free antibacterial agents is of great importance and significance. Graphene-based nanomaterials are a kind of such antibacterial agents. An insight into their properties and antibacterial mechanisms is necessary before they are developed into real products. Herein, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the antibacterial application of graphene-based nanomaterials via summarizing their antibacterial activities against some typical microbial species and discussing their unique mechanisms. In addition, the side-effects and problems in using these nanomaterials are also discussed. [Display omitted]