MXene-Based Nanocomposites for Antibacterial Applications

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a major concern for public health. To address this issue, there is a need to develop innovative antimicrobial materials. MXene-based nanomaterials have emerged as promising candidates for healthcare applications. These materials are two-dimensional transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides with unique properties, such as high electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and large surface area. By incorporating MXenes into nanocomposites, their antimicrobial properties can be enhanced. Through various synthesis approaches and microstructure examination, researchers have gained fundamental insights into the properties of these materials. MXenes possess abundant active sites that allow for diverse modifications. For instance, constructing heterojunctions has proven effective in delaying the recombination of electrons and holes, thereby enhancing the generation of ROS. Numerous innovative and intricate designs have been developed in the context of antimicrobial applications and related fields, highlighting the potential of MXenes in a post-antibiotic era. The alarming spread of harmful bacterial growth and the emergence of highly resistant bacteria have posed significant public health risks, prompting researchers to devise strategies that do not rely on antibiotics to combat these microorganisms. This chapter provides an overview of the synthesis and antimicrobial performance of MXene-based nanocomposites. The antimicrobial performance of MXene-based nanocomposites against a wide range of bacteria is evaluated. Additionally, the potential applications of MXene-based nanocomposites in various fields and the potential applications of MXene-based materials in fighting COVID-19 are discussed. Over the past 10 years, significant advancements have been made in exploring the potential uses of materials based on MXenes in areas related to antibacterial properties. Through various approaches to synthesis and the examination of microstructures, fundamental insights into the properties of these captivating materials have been obtained. The abundant active sites present in MXenes allow for diverse modifications. For example, the construction of heterojunctions has proven effective in delaying the recombination of electrons and holes, thus enhancing the generation of reactive oxygen species. So far, numerous innovative and intricate designs have been applied in the context of antibacterial applications and related fields, underscoring the promising potential of MXenes in a post-antibiotic era. The alarming spread of harmful bacterial growth and the emergence of highly resistant bacteria have posed significant public health risks, prompting researchers to devise strategies devoid of antibiotics to combat these formidable microorganisms.