Quantum Dots-Based Nano-Coatings for Inhibition of Microbial Biofilms: A Mini Review

Abstract

Infection of implants by microbial biofilm is chiefly caused by Staphylococci, Pseudomonas andCandida species. The growth of microbes by forming biofilms offers them protection from antibiotics, drugs and host defense mechanisms. The eradication of biofilms from implants and medical devices is difficult because of the protection by the biofilm forming pathogenic microbes. Hence, researches are focused on development of antibiofilm materials, which are basically constituted of antimicrobial substances or antimicrobial coatings. Nanomaterialbased coatings offer a promising solution in this regard. Quantum dots (QDs) are the group of semiconductor nanoparticles with high photoluminescent properties compared to conventional organic fluorophores. Thus, drug-conjugated QDs can be a promising alternative for biofilm treatment, and these can serve as excellent alternatives for the mitigation of recalcitrant biomaterial-associated infections caused by resistant strains. Furthermore, their use as antibiofilm coating would avoid the dispersion of antimicrobial agents in the surrounding cells and tissues, thereby minimizing the risks of developing microbial resistivity.