MXenes Antibacterial Properties and Applications: A Review and Perspective

The mutations of bacteria due to the excessive use of antibiotics, and generation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have made the development of new antibacterial compounds a necessity. MXenes have emerged as biocompatible transition metal carbide structures with extensive biomedical applications. This is related to the MXenes’ unique combination of properties, including multifarious elemental compositions, 2D-layered structure, large surface area, abundant surface terminations, and excellent photothermal and photoelectronic properties. The focus of this review is the antibacterial application of MXenes, which has attracted the attention of researchers since 2016. A quick overview of the synthesis strategies of MXenes is provided and then summarizes the effect of various factors (including structural properties, optical properties, surface charges, flake size, and dispersibility) on the biocidal activity of MXenes. The main mechanisms for deactivating bacteria by MXenes are discussed in detail including rupturing of the bacterial membrane by sharp edges of MXenes nanoflakes, generating the reactive oxygen species (ROS), and photothermal deactivating of bacteria. Hybridization of MXenes with other organic and inorganic materials can result in materials with improved biocidal activities for different applications such as wound dressings and water purification. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of MXene nanomaterials as biocidal agents are presented.     

Mesoporous Silica‐Based Materials with Bactericidal Properties

Bacterial infections are the main cause of chronic infections and even mortality. In fact, due to extensive use of antibiotics and, then, emergence of antibiotic resistance, treatment of such infections by conventional antibiotics has become a major concern worldwide. One of the promising strategies to treat infection diseases is the use of nanomaterials. Among them, mesoporous silica materials (MSMs) have attracted burgeoning attention due to high surface area, tunable pore/particle size, and easy surface functionalization. This review discusses how one can exploit capacities of MSMs to design and fabricate multifunctional/controllable drug delivery systems (DDSs) to combat bacterial infections. At first, the emergency of bacterial and biofilm resistance toward conventional antimicrobials is described and then how nanoparticles exert their toxic effects upon pathogenic cells is discussed. Next, the main aspects of MSMs (e.g., physicochemical properties, multifunctionality, and biosafety) which one should consider in the design of MSM‐based DDSs against bacterial infections are introduced. Finally, a comprehensive analysis of all the papers published dealing with the use of MSMs for delivery of antibacterial chemicals (antimicrobial agents functionalized/adsorbed on mesoporous silica (MS), MS‐loaded with antimicrobial agents, gated MS‐loaded with antimicrobial agents, MS with metal‐based nanoparticles, and MS‐loaded with metal ions) is provided.     

Antibacterial applications of elemental nanomaterials

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance call for the development of antibacterial substances that may be able to circumvent the resistance mechanisms of bacteria. To this end, intensive research efforts have been directed toward non-antibiotic materials with antibacterial potency. In particular, single-element inorganic nanomaterials have demonstrated promising activity against bacteria, and prominent examples of single-element inorganic nanomaterials include silver (Ag) nanoparticles, 0-, 1- and 2-dimensional carbon nanomaterials, and 2-dimensional black phosphorous (BP) nanosheets. With activity modes distinct from those of commercial antibiotics, these single-element inorganic nanomaterials have demonstrated activity against antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains and may delay the emergence of resistance in bacteria. In this review, we focus on silver (Ag) nanoparticles, 0-, 1- and 2-dimensional carbon nanomaterials, and 2-dimensional black phosphorous (BP) nanosheets, and discuss their antibacterial potency, factors that influence their antibacterial performances, as well as their cytotoxicity to mammalian cells.     

Antibacterial Carbon Dots-Based Composites

The emergence and global spread of bacterial resistance to conventionally used antibiotics have highlighted the urgent need for new antimicrobial agents that might replace antibiotics. Currently, nanomaterials hold considerable promise as antimicrobial agents in anti-inflammatory therapy. Due to their distinctive functional physicochemical characteristics and exceptional biocompatibility, carbon dots (CDs)-based composites have attracted a lot of attention in the context of these antimicrobial nanomaterials. Here, a thorough assessment of current developments in the field of antimicrobial CDs-based composites is provided, starting with a brief explanation of the general synthesis procedures, categorization, and physicochemical characteristics of CDs-based composites. The many processes driving the antibacterial action of these composites are then thoroughly described, including physical destruction, oxidative stress, and the incorporation of antimicrobial agents. Finally, the obstacles that CDs-based composites now suffer in combating infectious diseases are outlined and investigated, along with the potential applications of antimicrobial CDs-based composites.     

Antibacterial magnetic nanoparticles for therapeutics: a review

Along with the extensive range of exotic nanoparticle (NPs) applications, investigation of magnetic NPs (MNPs) in vitro has ushered modern antibacterial studies into an increasingly attractive research area. A great number of microorganisms exist in the size scales from nanometre to micrometre regions. The enormous potential of engineered MNPs in therapeutic procedures against various drug‐resistant bacteria has declined the menace of fatal bacterial infections. Many biocompatible MNPs have been introduced that possess remarkable impacts on various bacterial strains. Conventional synthesis methods such as co‐precipitation or hydrothermal techniques have been widely adopted in the production of MNPs. The MNPs for antibacterial applications are mainly required to be superparamagnetic, recyclable and biocompatible. To implement novel strategies in developing new generation antimicrobial magnetic nanomaterials, it is essential to obtain a comprehensive preview of recent achievements in synthesis, proposed antibacterial mechanisms and characterisation techniques of these nanomaterials. This review highlights notable aspects of antibacterial activity in engineered MNPs and nanocomposites including their particle properties (size, shape and saturation magnetisation), antibacterial mechanisms, synthesis methods, testing methods, surface modifications and minimum inhibitory concentrations.Inspec keywords: nanocomposites, magnetic particles, biomedical materials, antibacterial activity, nanofabrication, nanoparticles, drugs, precipitation (physical chemistry), reviews, nanomagnetics, superparamagnetism, nanomedicineOther keywords: drug‐resistant bacteria, fatal bacterial infections, bacterial strains, conventional synthesis methods, antibacterial applications, antibacterial activity, exotic nanoparticle applications, antibacterial mechanisms, antimicrobial magnetic nanomaterials, antibacterial MNP, biocompatible MNP, in vivo magnetic nanoparticle, review, hydrothermal techniques, superparamagnetism, nanocomposites, surface modifications     

Biocompatible nano-gallium/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite with antimicrobial activity

Intensive research in the area of medical nanotechnology, especially to cope with the bacterial resistance against conventional antibiotics, has shown strong antimicrobial action of metallic and metal-oxide nanomaterials towards a wide variety of bacteria. However, the important remaining problem is that nanomaterials with highest antibacterial activity generally express also a high level of cytotoxicity for mammalian cells. Here we present gallium nanoparticles as a new solution to this problem. We developed a nanocomposite from bioactive hydroxyapatite nanorods (84?wt %) and antibacterial nanospheres of elemental gallium (16?wt %) with mode diameter of 22?±?11?nm. In direct comparison, such nanocomposite with gallium nanoparticles exhibited better antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and lower in-vitro cytotoxicity for human lung fibroblasts IMR-90 and mouse fibroblasts L929 (efficient antibacterial action and low toxicity from 0.1 to 1?g/L) than the nanocomposite of hydroxyapatite and silver nanoparticles (efficient antibacterial action and low toxicity from 0.2 to 0.25?g/L). This is the first report of a biomaterial composite with gallium nanoparticles. The observed strong antibacterial properties and low cytotoxicity make the investigated material promising for the prevention of implantation–induced infections that are frequently caused by P. aeruginosa.     

Tailoring the Surface and Composition of Nanozymes for Enhanced Bacterial Binding and Antibacterial Activity

With the advantages of diverse structures, tunable enzymatic activity, and high stability, nanozymes are widely used in medicine, chemistry, food, environment, and other fields. As an alternative to traditional antibiotics, nanozymes attract more and more attention from the scientific researchers in recent years. Developing nanozymes-based antibacterial materials opens up a new avenue for the bacterial disinfection and sterilization. In this review, the classification of nanozymes and their antibacterial mechanisms are discussed. The surface and composition of nanozymes are critical for the antibacterial efficacy, which can be tailored to enhance both the bacterial binding and the antibacterial activity. On the one hand, the surface modification of nanozymes enables binding and targeting of bacteria that improves the antibacterial performance of nanozymes including the biochemical recognition, the surface charge, and the surface topography. On the other hand, the composition of nanozymes can be modulated to achieve enhanced antibacterial performance including the single nanozyme-mediated synergistic and multiple nanozymes-mediated cascade catalytic antibacterial applications. In addition, the current challenges and future prospects of tailoring nanozymes for antibacterial applications are discussed. This review can provide insights into the design of future nanozymes-based materials for the antibacterial treatments.     

Antibacterial Activity of Graphdiyne and Graphdiyne Oxide

From manufacture to disposal, the interaction of graphdiyne based nanomaterials with living organisms is inevitable and crucial. However, the cytotoxic properties of this novel carbon nanomaterial are rarely investigated, and the mechanisms behind their cytotoxicity are totally unknown. In this study, the antibacterial activity of graphdiyne (GDY) and graphdiyne oxide (GDYO) is reported. GDY is capable of inhibiting broad‐spectrum bacterial growth while exerting moderate cytotoxicity on mammalian cells. In comparison, GDYO exhibits lower antibacterial activity than that of GDY. Then an alterable, synergetic antibacterial mechanism of GDY, involving wrapping bacterial membrane, membrane insertion and disruption, and reactive oxygen species generation is demonstrated, while the differential gene expression analysis indicates that GDY could only alter the bacterial metabolism slightly and the oxidative stress route may be a minor bactericidal factor. The investigation of the antibacterial behaviors of GDY based nanomaterials may provide useful guidelines for the future design and application of this novel molecular allotrope of carbon.     

Antibacterial surface design of biomedical titanium materials for orthopedic applications

Titanium(Ti)and titanium alloys have become widely used as biomedical materials in orthopedics because of their good machinability,corrosion resistance,low elastic modulus and excellent biocom-patibility.However,when Ti-based implants are used for bone repair and replacement,they are easy to cause bacteria adhesion and aggregation,which leads to postoperative infection.In addition,Ti and its alloys,as bio-inert materials,cannot induce desirable tissue responses such as osseointegration after implantation,which will eventually lead to implant loosening.Postoperative bacterial infection and lack of osseointegration directly lead to the failure of implantation surgery and are not conductive to the long-term service of titanium-based implants.Recently,researchers have made many attempts to focus on the surface modification of multifunctional Ti-based implants to endow them with both antibacterial activity and simultaneous osteoinductive property.In this review,we primarily highlighted the recent progresses in the surface design of Ti implants with both antimicrobial and osteoinductive properties for orthopedic applications.First,the challenges for treating implant-associated infections were briefly introduced such as the emergence of antibiotic resistance,the formation of biofilms,and the construction of cell-selective surfaces.Some of the essential fundamentals were concisely introduced to address these emerging challenges.Next,we intended to elaborate the potential strategies of multifunctional surface design to endow good osseointegration for antibacterial Ti implants and highlighted the recent advances of the implants.We hope that this review will provide theoretical basis and technical support for the development of new Ti implant with antibacterial and osteogenic functions.     

新型二维层状纳米材料的抗菌研究进展

近年来,抗生素耐药菌在全球范围内得到迅速而广泛地传播,新型抗菌药物的开发刻不容缓。随着生物纳米技术的发展,二维层状纳米材料有望成为处理耐药菌的替代选择。本文综述了石墨烯及其衍生物(GMs)、过渡金属硫化物(TMDs)、层状双氢氧化物(LDHs)及MXenes二维层状纳米材料的结构特征及其抗菌应用的最新报道,讨论了材料的抗菌机制,例如物理/机械损伤、脂质提取、氧化应激和光热/光动力效应等。最后,本文针对二维层状纳米材料的抗菌应用前景进行了展望:(1)材料特有的空间结构及优异的生物相容性决定了其可以作为抗菌药物的理想载体;(2)优异的光动力和光热杀菌效应使它具有治疗局部皮肤感染的强大潜力;(3)拥有光催化抗菌特性的2D材料可制成抗菌涂层,实现简易的原位消毒,有望应用于无菌医疗设备中。     

Dual-function antibacterial surfaces to resist and kill bacteria:Painting a picture with two brushes simultaneously

Attachment of bacteria and subsequent formation of biofilms on material surfaces lead to serious conse-quences including infection,contamination and biofouling,posing a prominent threat to human health and causing problems in many industries.Therefore,it is highly desirable to endow the surfaces with antibacterial properties.Traditional antibacterial surfaces are designed via either bacteria-resisting strat-egy to prevent the initial adhesion of bacteria or bacteria-killing strategy to eradicate any bacteria that attach to the surface.However,these single-function surfaces have their inherent shortcomings and cannot realize long-term efficacy against bacteria.In recent years,various dual-function antibacterial sur-faces with both bacteria-resisting and bacteria-killing properties together have been developed,showing better performance for combating surface-attached bacteria and preventing formation of biofilms.In this review,we summarize the recent development of these dual-function antibacterial surfaces.We focus on the design principles and fabrication strategies of such surfaces and highlight the representative exam-ples,which are categorized specifically into two types according to the anti-adhesive and bactericidal properties are simultaneous or switchable.A brief perspective is finally presented on current challenges and future research directions.     

细菌纤维素抗菌复合材料的制备和应用

目的 综述细菌纤维素抗菌复合材料在国内外的研究和应用现状,以制备具有优异抗菌性能的细菌纤维素复合材料.方法 总结细菌纤维素抗菌复合材料的抗菌性及其最新合成方式,包括与无机抗菌剂、有机抗菌剂结合或添加抗生素等方式合成细菌纤维素抗菌复合材料,并进一步阐述细菌纤维素抗菌复合材料的应用领域.结论 细菌纤维素复合材料的抗菌性能优异,在医学、食品包装和净水等领域都有较大的应用潜力,有待进一步系统研究.     

纳米酶:对抗细菌的新策略

由细菌引发的相关疾病和环境污染等问题引起了人们的高度重视,同时随着抗生素的使用,细菌的耐药性逐渐增强,人们急需开发新型抗菌剂。诸如溶菌酶、髓过氧化物酶等天然酶具有显著的抗菌能力,但其作为抗菌剂存在保质期短、生产成本高等缺点,很难大规模生产。因此,人们正探索寻求天然酶的替代品。纳米酶是新一代人工模拟酶,兼具纳米材料独特的理化性质和类酶催化活性,因其结构稳定、生产成本低等优点受到广泛关注。本文综述了纳米酶的抗菌机制和近期抗菌纳米酶的主要研究进展,并对未来该领域的研究进行展望。     

Shaping Sulfur Precursors to Low Dimensional (0D, 1D and 2D) Sulfur Nanomaterials: Synthesis,Characterization, Mechanism,Functionalization, and Applications

Low-dimensional sulfur nanomaterials featuring with 0D sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs), sulfur nanodots (SNDs) and sulfur quantum dots (SQDs), 1D sulfur nanorods (SNRs), and 2D sulfur nanosheets (SNSs) have emerged as an environmentally friendly, biocompatible class of metal-free nanomaterials, sparking extensive interest in a wide range application. In this review, various synthetic methods, precise characterization, creative formation mechanism, delicate functionalization, and versatile applications of low dimensional sulfur nanomaterials over the last decades are systematically summarized. Initially, it is striven to summarize the progress of low dimensional sulfur nanomaterials from versatile precursors by using different synthetic approaches and various characterization. Then, a multi-faceted proposed formation mechanism with emphasis on how these different precursors produce corresponding SNPs, SNDs, SQDs, SNRs, and SNSs is highlighted. Besides, it is essential to fine-tune the surface functional groups of low dimensional sulfur nanomaterials to form new complex nanomaterials. Finally, these sulfur nanomaterials are being investigated in bio-sensing, bio-imaging, lithium–sulfur batteries, antibacterial activities, plant growth along with future perspective and challenges in emerging fields. The purpose of this review is to tailor low dimensional nanomaterials through accurately selecting precursors or synthetic approach and provide a foundation for the formation of versatile sulfur nanostructure.     

New antibacterial microporous CaP materials loaded with phages for prophylactic treatment in bone surgery

Hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) are materials commonly used in bone repair. The most important problem occurring in bone repair surgery is bacterial infection which is usually overcome by treatment with antibiotics. Currently, emergence of multidrug resistant strains has led to development of alternative treatments such as phage therapy. Phages are bacterial viruses with several advantages over chemotherapy such as specificity of bacterial strain, no side effects and fast response. This study evaluates the possibility of loading hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate ceramics used as bone substitutes with phages and their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli K12. The majority of phages were retained in dense and microporous HA and β-TCP samples during at least 6?days suggesting the occurrence of strong interaction between phages and ceramics, which did not prevent bacterial attachment and lysis. This study has shown for the first time that phage loaded ceramics could be used in prophylactic treatments.     

Selenium nanomaterials: An overview of recent developments in synthesis,properties and potential applications

Advances in science and nanotechnology have facilitated the development of new methods for the preparation of pure selenium as selenium nanomaterials. They offer remarkable potential for technological applications in the fields of medicine, diagnostics, therapeutics, toxicology, electronics, catalysis and so on. Moreover, selenium nanomaterials also find applications in photographic exposure metres, rectifiers, signal emitting devices and transmitting devices, because of their unique structural, optical and electronic properties. This study describes a detailed advanced report on the synthesis, assembly, characterization and various applications of selenium nanomaterials. In addition, relevant synthesis methods, properties, challenges and opportunities associated with selenium nanomaterials are also presented.     

Recent Advances in Managing Atherosclerosis via Nanomedicine

Atherosclerosis, driven by chronic inflammation of the arteries and lipid accumulation on the blood vessel wall, underpins many cardiovascular diseases with high mortality rates globally, such as stroke and ischemic heart disease. Engineered bio‐nanomaterials are now under active investigation as carriers of therapeutic and/or imaging agents to atherosclerotic plaques. This Review summarizes the latest bio‐nanomaterial‐based strategies for managing atherosclerosis published over the past five years, a period marked by a rapid surge in preclinical applications of bio‐nanomaterials for imaging and/or treating atherosclerosis. To start, the biomarkers exploited by emerging bio‐nanomaterials for targeting various components of atherosclerotic plaques are outlined. In addition, recent efforts to rationally design and screen for bio‐nanomaterials with the optimal physicochemical properties for targeting plaques are presented. Moreover, the latest preclinical applications of bio‐nanomaterials as carriers of imaging, therapeutic, or theranostic agents to atherosclerotic plaques are discussed. Finally, a mechanistic understanding of the interactions between bio‐nanomaterials and the plaque (“athero–nano” interactions) is suggested, the opportunities and challenges in the clinical translation of bio‐nanomaterials for managing atherosclerosis are discussed, and recent clinical trials for atherosclerotic nanomedicines are introduced.     

Nanowire Genome: A Magic Toolbox for 1D Nanostructures

1D nanomaterials with high aspect ratio, i.e., nanowires and nanotubes, have inspired considerable research interest thanks to the fact that exotic physical and chemical properties emerge as their diameters approach or fall into certain length scales, such as the wavelength of light, the mean free path of phonons, the exciton Bohr radius, the critical size of magnetic domains, and the exciton diffusion length. On the basis of their components, aspect ratio, and properties, there may be imperceptible connections among hundreds of nanowires prepared by different strategies. Inspired by the heredity system in life, a new concept termed the “nanowire genome” is introduced here to clarify the relationships between hundreds of nanowires reported previously. As such, this approach will not only improve the tools incorporating the prior nanowires but also help to precisely synthesize new nanowires and even assist in the prediction on the properties of nanowires. Although the road from start‐ups to maturity is long and fraught with challenges, the genetical syntheses of more than 200 kinds of nanostructures stemming from three mother nanowires (Te, Ag, and Cu) are summarized here to demonstrate the nanowire genome as a versatile toolbox. A summary and outlook on future challenges in this field are also presented.     

Solution-based synthesis and design of late transition metal chalcogenide materials for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR)

Late transition metal chalcogenide (LTMC) nanomaterials have been introduced as a promising Pt-free oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts because of their low cost, good ORR activity, high methanol tolerance, and facile synthesis. Herein, an overview on the design and synthesis of LTMC nanomaterials by solution-based strategies is presented along with their ORR performances. Current solution-based synthetic approaches towards LTMC nanomaterials include a hydrothermal/solvothermal approach, single-source precursor approach, hot-injection approach, template-directed soft synthesis, and Kirkendall-effect-induced soft synthesis. Although the ORR activity and stability of LTMC nanomaterials are still far from what is needed for practical fuel-cell applications, much enhanced electrocatalytic performance can be expected. Recent advances have emphasized that decorating the surface of the LTMC nanostructures with other functional nanoparticles can lead to much better ORR catalytic activity. It is believed that new synthesis approaches to LTMCs, modification techniques of LTMCs, and LTMCs with desirable morphology, size, composition, and structures are expected to be developed in the future to satisfy the requirements of commercial fuel cells.