Solmaz Maleki Dizaj
1, Afsaneh Mennati
2, Samira Jafari
1, Khadejeh Khezri
2, Khosro Adibkia
3*1 Drug Applied Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
2 Faculty of Science, Physical Chemistry Group, Uremia Payam Noor University, Uremia, Iran.
3 Biotechnology Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Abstract
Due to the vast and
inappropriate use of the antibiotics, microorganisms have begun to develop
resistance to the commonly used antimicrobial agents. So therefore, development
of the new and effective antimicrobial agents seems to be necessary. According
to some recent reports, carbon-based
nanomaterials such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (especially
single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs)) and graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles
show potent antimicrobial properties. In present review, we have briefly summarized the antimicrobial activity of
carbon-based nanoparticles together with
their mechanism of action. Reviewed literature show that the size of carbon
nanoparticles plays an important role in the inactivation of the
microorganisms. As major mechanism, direct
contact of microorganisms with carbon nanostructures seriously affects their
cellular membrane integrity, metabolic processes and morphology. The
antimicrobial activity of carbon-based nanostructures may interestingly be
investigated in the near future owing to their high surface/volume ratio, large
inner volume and other unique chemical and physical properties. In addition,
application of functionalized carbon nanomaterials as carriers for the ordinary
antibiotics possibly will decrease the associated resistance, enhance their
bioavailability and provide their targeted delivery.