MXenes Antibacterial Properties and Applications: A Review and Perspective

Abstract

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.

Can MXene be the Effective Nanomaterial Family for the Membrane and Adsorption Technologies to Reach a Sustainable Green World?

“…Antibacterial capacity of specific types of MXene was elaborated in the review of Seidi et al. in depth . However, there are more than hundreds of stoichiometric MXene compositions (at least) and a countless number of solid solutions.…”

Sustainable biosynthesized bimetallic ZnO@SeO nanoparticles from pomegranate peel extracts: antibacterial, antifungal and anticancer activities

“…9 Nanomaterials and nanostructures exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. 10–14 Researchers have discovered that bimetallic NPs made of two distinct metals combine their antimicrobial capabilities compared to their monometallic counterparts. 15 Due to the synergistic interaction between resulting from both monometallic parts, bimetallic NPs exhibit enhanced antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy.…”

MXene-based composites against antibiotic-resistant bacteria: current trends and future perspectives

“…61 MXene nanosheets exhibited antimicrobial effects with direct mechanical destruction/physical damages, and can be considered as metal-based bactericides. 62 Recent advancements on photothermal conversion and antibacterial mechanisms pertaining to MXenes have been reported, as exemplied in the case of Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene with potent antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and E. coli. 21,42 The design of novel MXene-based nanosystems with targeted antibacterial potentials can efficiently assist in controlling the bacterial infections along with elimination of bacterial resistance.…”

“…21,42 The design of novel MXene-based nanosystems with targeted antibacterial potentials can efficiently assist in controlling the bacterial infections along with elimination of bacterial resistance. 62 This review endeavored to delineate critical issues pertaining to the use of MXene-based composites against pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, focusing on recent developments, important challenges, and future perspectives.…”