MXenes Antibacterial Properties and Applications: A Review and Perspective

The mutations of bacteria due to the excessive use of antibiotics, and generation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria have made the development of new antibacterial compounds a necessity. MXenes have emerged as biocompatible transition metal carbide structures with extensive biomedical applications. This is related to the MXenes' unique combination of properties, including multifarious elemental compositions, 2D-layered structure, large surface area, abundant surface terminations, and excellent photothermal and photoelectronic properties. The focus of this review is the antibacterial application of MXenes, which has attracted the attention of researchers since 2016. A quick overview of the synthesis strategies of MXenes is provided and then summarizes the effect of various factors (including structural properties, optical properties, surface charges, flake size, and dispersibility) on the biocidal activity of MXenes. The main mechanisms for deactivating bacteria by MXenes are discussed in detail including rupturing of the bacterial membrane by sharp edges of MXenes nanoflakes, generating the reactive oxygen species (ROS), and photothermal deactivating of bacteria. Hybridization of MXenes with other organic and inorganic materials can result in materials with improved biocidal activities for different applications such as wound dressings and water purification. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of MXene nanomaterials as biocidal agents are presented.

Automated summary

The excessive use of antibiotics has led to bacterial mutations and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, necessitating the development of new antibacterial compounds. MXenes have shown great potential in biomedical applications due to their unique properties, such as multifarious elemental compositions, 2D-layered structure, large surface area, abundant surface terminations, and excellent photothermal and photoelectronic properties. This review focuses on the antibacterial application of MXenes and provides an overview of their synthesis strategies, as well as the factors affecting their biocidal activity. The mechanisms of bacterial deactivation by MXenes, such as rupturing the bacterial membrane, generating reactive oxygen species, and photothermal deactivation, are discussed in detail. The hybridization of MXenes with other materials can enhance their biocidal activities for various applications, such as wound dressings and water purification. The challenges and perspectives of MXene nanomaterials as biocidal agents are also presented.