An Overview of Antimicrobial Properties of Carbon Nanotubes-Based Nanocomposites

Abstract

The development of carbon-based nanomaterials has extensively facilitated new discoveriesin various fields. Carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites (CNT-based nanocomposites) havelately recognized as promising biomaterials for a wide range of biomedical applications due totheir unique electronic, mechanical, and biological properties. Nanocomposite materials suchas silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), polymers, biomolecules, enzymes, and peptides have beenreported in many studies, possess a broad range of antibacterial activity when incorporatedwith carbon nanotubes (CNTs). It is crucial to understand the mechanism which governs theantimicrobial activity of these CNT-based nanocomposite materials, including the decouplingindividual and synergistic effects on the cells. In this review, the interaction behavior betweenmicroorganisms and different types of CNT-based nanocomposites is summarized to understandthe respective antimicrobial performance in different conditions. Besides, the currentdevelopment stage of CNT-based nanocomposite materials, the technical challenges faced, andthe exceptional prospect of implementing potential antimicrobial CNT-based nanocompositematerials are also discussed.

Keywords

• carbon nanotubes
• functionalization
• pathogens
• antimicrobial mechanisms
• toxicity