Current trends in antimicrobial activities of carbon nanostructures: potentiality and status of nanobiochar in comparison to carbon dots

Abstract

The increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a massive threat to world health, necessitating the urgent development of alternative antimicrobial growth control techniques. Due to their specific physical and chemical properties, nanomaterials, particularly carbon-based nanomaterials, have emerged as attractive candidates for antimicrobial applications, however, reviews are lacking. This comprehensive review aims to bridge the existing knowledge gaps surrounding the mechanism and significance of nanobiochar (NBC) and carbon nanostructures in the field of antimicrobial applications. Notably, NBC, which is derived from biochar, exhibits promising potential as an environmentally-friendly substance with antimicrobial properties. Its strong adsorption capabilities enable the removal and immobilization of pathogens and pollutants from soil and water and also exhibit antimicrobial properties to combat harmful pathogens. In addition to NBC, carbon dots (CDs) and graphene oxide (GO) have also shown excellent antimicrobial properties. These carbon-based nanomaterials find applications in agriculture for phytopathogen control and post-harvest disease management, as well as in medicine for nanotheranostics and in the food industry for extending shelf life as an eco-friendly alternative to chemicals and antibiotics. However, the long-term toxicity of these nanoparticles to humans and the environment needs further investigation, considering the influence of different physiochemical characteristics on antimicrobial properties and nanotoxicity. Therefore, continued exploration in this area will pave the way for future research and safe deployment strategies of carbon-based nanomaterials in combating microbial threats.

Highlights

•	Nanobiochar and carbon dots are promising alternatives to traditional antimicrobial methods.
•	Nanobiochar demonstrates strong adsorption and pathogen immobilization properties.
•	Carbon dots and graphene oxide show excellent antimicrobial properties.

Keywords

Carbon dots / Carbon nanotubes / Nanobiochar / Graphene oxide / Antimicrobial activity

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Funding

National Science Foundation (LK)(RG/2021/AG/02)