Abstract
The incorporation of carbon-based nanostructures into polymer matrices is a relevant strategy for producing novel antimicrobial materials. By using nanofillers of different shapes and sizes, and polymers with different characteristics, novel antimicrobial nanocomposites with synergistic properties can be obtained. This article describes the state of art in the field of antimicrobial polymeric nanocomposites reinforced with graphene and its derivatives such as graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide. Taking into account the vast number of articles published, only some representative examples are provided. A classification of the different nanocomposites is carried out, dividing them into acrylic and methacrylic matrices, biodegradable synthetic polymers and natural polymers. The mechanisms of antimicrobial activity of graphene and its derivatives are also reviewed. Finally, some applications of these antimicrobial nanocomposites are discussed. We aim to enhance understanding in the field and promote further work on the development of polymer-based antimicrobial nanocomposites incorporating graphene-based nanomaterials.
Highlights
Severe infections produced by pathogenic bacteria have been studied extensively for over a century
Another possible mechanism that causes antibacterial activity was proposed by Luan et al [33], who reported that the lipophilic flat surface of G disrupted the protein-protein bonding in the cell membrane and led to functional failure
Ternary hybrids of Polyethylene glycol (PEG)-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) with Ag nanoparticles have been prepared by a simple, fast and green microwave irradiation route [61], at different irradiation times and their bactericide properties were investigated against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria as model organisms, following the disk diffusion method [43]
Summary
Severe infections produced by pathogenic bacteria have been studied extensively for over a century. Graphene is an atomically thin, 2D layer of sp carbon atoms in a honeycomb structure It possesses a unique combination of properties including high stiffness and strength, elevated thermal and electrical conductivity, very high electron mobility, molecular barrier capability, low toxicity and so forth [11]. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged (Scheme 1), which are basically graphene spherical nanoparticles with a size of less than 100 nm Due to their excellent properties such as high solubility in various solvents, high specific surface area, plenty of edge sites for functionalization, versatility, stable photoluminescence, chemical stability, low toxicity, and strong quantum confinement effect, GQDs are considered as a novel material for biological, opto-electronics, energy and environmental applications.
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