Revolutionizing Infection Control: Harnessing MXene-Based Nanostructures for Versatile Antimicrobial Strategies and Healthcare Advancements

Chem Biodivers. 2024 May;21(5):e202400366. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202400366. Epub 2024 Apr 11.

Abstract

The escalating global health challenge posed by infections prompts the exploration of innovative solutions utilizing MXene-based nanostructures. Societally, the need for effective antimicrobial strategies is crucial for public health, while scientifically, MXenes present promising properties for therapeutic applications, necessitating scalable production and comprehensive characterization techniques. Here we review the versatile physicochemical properties of MXene materials for combatting microbial threats and their various synthesis methods, including etching and top-down or bottom-up techniques. Crucial characterization techniques such as XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM/TEM, FTIR, XPS, and BET analysis provide insightful structural and functional attributes. The review highlights MXenes' diverse antimicrobial mechanisms, spanning membrane disruption and oxidative stress induction, demonstrating efficacy against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Despite translational hurdles, MXene-based nanostructures offer broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential, with applications in drug delivery and diagnostics, presenting a promising path for advancing infection control in global healthcare.

Keywords: Anti-infection; Drug delivery; Nanomaterials; Structural characterization; Synthesized approaches.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Infective Agents* / chemical synthesis
  • Anti-Infective Agents* / chemistry
  • Anti-Infective Agents* / pharmacology
  • Bacteria / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Infection Control
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Nanostructures* / chemistry