title: Antimicrobial activity of carbon-based nanoparticles.
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.
authors: Biotechnology Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors: Solmaz
authors: S
authors: Maleki Dizaj
authors: Faculty of Science, Physical Chemistry Group, Uremia Payam Noor University, Uremia, Iran.
authors: Afsaneh
authors: A
authors: Mennati
authors: Biotechnology Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors: Samira
authors: S
authors: Jafari
authors: Faculty of Science, Physical Chemistry Group, Uremia Payam Noor University, Uremia, Iran.
authors: Khadejeh
authors: K
authors: Khezri
authors: Drug Applied Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
authors: Khosro
authors: K
authors: Adibkia
keywords: Antimicrobial activity; Antimicrobial mechanism; Carbon nanotubes; Fullerene; Graphene oxide; Metal–carbon nanocomposites