Role of Graphene-related 2D Nanomaterials in Antimicrobial Potentials: An Overview

Abstract

Microbial infections profoundly impact various facets of everyday life, imposing significant economic strains on healthcare systems worldwide and resulting in death. Researchers have made considerable attempts to restrict microbial proliferation, but effective antimicrobial agents still need to be improved. A highly effective strategy for mitigating this challenge involves utilizing antimicrobial materials with chemically embedded or inherent antimicrobial properties. Recently, carbon-based nanomaterials have shown promising antibacterial results. In particular, graphene- and graphene-derived nanomaterials (GMs) demonstrate a broad range of antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. These antibacterial activities are attributed mainly to the direct physicochemical interaction between GMs and bacteria that cause deadly cellular component degradation. GMs hold a high affinity for accumulating, leading to membrane damage; similarly, after internalization, they can interact with the bacterial genome, disrupting the replicative stage. Additionally, GMs can indirectly determine bacterial death by activating the inflammatory cascade after entering the physiological environment. This mini-review delves into the potential parameters influencing antimicrobial efficacy, encompassing the number of graphene layers, concentration, size, and structural characteristics. Additionally, it explores the antimicrobial mechanisms exhibited by the graphene family against a spectrum of pathogens. Finally, it presents various antimicrobial applications underlying GMs as promising materials applicable in different fields.