| 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. |