Carbon nanotubes as anti-bacterial agents

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2017 Oct;74(19):3467-3479. doi: 10.1007/s00018-017-2532-y. Epub 2017 May 23.

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections that have evolved via natural selection have increased alarmingly at a global level. Thus, there is a strong need for the development of novel antibiotics for the treatment of these infections. Functionalized carbon nanotubes through their unique properties hold great promise in the fight against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. This new family of nanovectors for therapeutic delivery proved to be innovative and efficient for the transport and cellular translocation of therapeutic molecules. The current review examines the latest progress in the antibacterial activity of carbon nanotubes and their composites.

Keywords: Antibacterial agents; Multi-walled carbon nanotubes; Single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / chemistry*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacteria / drug effects*
  • Bacterial Infections / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Nanocomposites / chemistry*
  • Nanocomposites / therapeutic use
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Nanotubes, Carbon