Graphene materials: Armor against nosocomial infections and biofilm formation – A review

Abstract

Graphene has revolutionized the field of energy and storage sectors. Out of the total number of nosocomial infections diagnosed all around the world, the majority of the cases (around 70%) are found to be due to the medical device or assistance utilized while treating the patient. Combating these diseases is vital as they cause a nuisance to the patients and medical practitioners. Coatings of graphene and its derivatives hold the key to the formation of special surfaces that can rupture microbial cells using their sharp edges, ultimately leading to nuclear and cellular fragmentation. Their incorporation as a whole or as a part in the hospital apparel and the medical device has aided medical practitioners to combat many nosocomial diseases. Graphene is found to be highly virulent with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against nosocomial strains and biofilm formation. Their alternate mode of action like trapping and charge transfer has also been discussed well in the present review. The various combinational forms of graphene with its conjugates as a suitable agent to combat nosocomial infections and a potential coating for newer challenges like COVID-19 infections has also been assessed in the current study. Efficiency of graphene sheets has been found to be around 89% with a reaction time as less as 3 h. Polymers with graphene seem to have a higher potency against biofilm formation. When combined with graphene oxide, silver nanoparticles provide 99% activity against nosocomial pathogens. In conclusion, this review would be a guiding light for scientists working with graphene-based coatings to unfold the potentials of this marvelous commodity to tackle the present and future pandemics to come.