title: The future development of bacteria fighting medical devices: the role of graphene oxide.
abstract: The clinical challenge that research on antibacterial coatings faces nowadays is the need of reduction of resistant bacterial infections, major source of implant rejection and repeated surgery. In order to avoid microorganisms attachment and biofilm formation, coating materials on medical devices have been developed with shortcomings represented by short-term durability and induction of new mechanisms of bacterial resistance. Graphene-based films and hydrogel could represent the next generation protective coatings due to their excellent mechanical, chemical and thermal properties, high nanoparticle adsorption and antibacterial action. Areas covered: In this short commentary, we will report the recent developments of graphene oxide based coatings. Graphene oxide is a water-soluble derivative of graphene that allows high drug loading and miscibility with polymers, making it mouldable in any desired shape. Recent applications in wound healing and tissue engineering will be discussed as well as critical issues prior to clinical use of graphene oxide coatings. Expert commentary: The current evidence is insufficient to establish the efficacy of Graphene Oxide against bacteria and the durability of coatings. Further studies should clarify how to control Graphene Oxide antibacterial mechanism.
authors.affiliation: a Physics Institute , Catholic University of Sacred Hearth , Rome , Italy.|b Institute for Complex Systems , National Research Council (ISC-CNR) , Rome , Italy.
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Palmieri
authors.affiliation: a Physics Institute , Catholic University of Sacred Hearth , Rome , Italy.|b Institute for Complex Systems , National Research Council (ISC-CNR) , Rome , Italy.
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Papi
authors.affiliation: b Institute for Complex Systems , National Research Council (ISC-CNR) , Rome , Italy.
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Conti
authors.affiliation: a Physics Institute , Catholic University of Sacred Hearth , Rome , Italy.
authors.forename: Gabriele
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ciasca
authors.affiliation: a Physics Institute , Catholic University of Sacred Hearth , Rome , Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Maulucci
authors.affiliation: a Physics Institute , Catholic University of Sacred Hearth , Rome , Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Spirito
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible / Q000494:pharmacology; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000382:microbiology*; D006108:Graphite / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D006108:Graphite
keywords: Graphene-oxide; antibacterial; antibiotic resistance; coating; cytotoxicity; film; hydrogels; medical devices