Graphene-based nanomaterials: mechanisms and potentials in the fight against multidrug resistant bacterial infections: a review

Abstract

Bacterial infections pose a serious threat to human health, and antibiotic resistance has greatly hindered their clinical application. Therefore, new antibacterial compounds or alternative approaches are urgently needed. In recent years, nanoscience and nanotechnology have developed a number of antimicrobial nanoparticles that can be used as new tools to fight deadly bacterial infections. Graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs), such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), have shown great potential in the treatment and management of bacteria-induced infectious diseases due to their outstanding biological properties. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the antibacterial application of GBNs via summarizing their classifications, structural features, antibacterial mechanisms and concrete applications in the treatment of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial infection. We highlight the advances in development of GBNs and GBNs-based treatment strategies, including photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and multiple combination therapies. In addition, we conclude and discuss the challenges and problems in using these nanomaterials. Collectively, we believe that GBNs have the potential to be an effective clinical treatment for MDR bacterial infections.