Antibacterial Applications of Carbon Nanomaterials

Carbon‐based nanomaterials encompass a diverse suite of structures—ranging from zero-dimensional carbon dots and quantum dots to two-dimensional graphene derivatives and three-dimensional nanobiochar—that exhibit potent antibacterial properties. Their mechanisms of action include physical disruption of microbial membranes, generation of reactive oxygen species under light or chemical stimulation, and interference with biofilm formation. Surface functionalisation and doping strategies further enhance selectivity towards pathogens while minimising toxicity to mammalian cells. Applications span wound dressings and implant coatings in biomedicine, self-sterilising textiles, water purification systems and food packaging. The tunability of optical, electronic and surface characteristics allows integration into photodynamic antimicrobial therapy platforms, biosensors and controlled-release matrices. As antibiotic resistance rises globally, carbon nanomaterials offer a modular and scalable approach to next-generation antimicrobials, though challenges remain in standardising synthesis methods, assessing long-term environmental impact and ensuring safe clinical translation.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Green, plant-derived carbon dots synthesised via a simple one-pot hydrothermal method demonstrated multifunctional performance. These nanoscale fluorescent particles, produced from medicinal plant leaves, exhibited robust antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at low concentrations. The same material showed antioxidant capacity and in vitro biocompatibility with mammalian fibroblasts, indicating a favourable safety profile. In addition to microbial inhibition via reactive oxygen species generation, the intrinsic fluorescence enabled cellular imaging, suggesting dual-use as a theranostic agent. This work underscores the potential of renewable biomass as a feedstock for producing safe, effective and multifunctional antimicrobial nanomaterials.

Antibacterial Applications of Carbon Nanomaterials publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in antibacterial applications of carbon nanomaterials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Carbon nanomaterials: Nanometre-scale allotropes of carbon with distinct morphologies and electronic properties, used for their surface activity and biocompatibility in antimicrobial applications.

Carbon dots (CDs): Quasi-spherical, fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (<10 nm) whose surface functional groups can be tailored to induce microbial membrane disruption and reactive oxygen species generation.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Highly reactive chemical species (e.g., singlet oxygen, superoxide) produced by nanomaterials under light or chemical stimuli, capable of oxidising microbial components.

Photodynamic antimicrobial therapy (APDT): A treatment modality in which photosensitising nanomaterials generate ROS upon light activation to inactivate pathogens selectively.

Graphene oxide (GO): A two-dimensional, oxygen-rich carbon sheet with high surface area that can physically disrupt bacterial membranes and act as a carrier for additional antimicrobial agents.

References

1. Green synthesis of multi-functional carbon dots from medicinal plant leaves for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and bioimaging applications. Scientific Reports (2023).
2. Current trends in antimicrobial activities of carbon nanostructures: potentiality and status of nanobiochar in comparison to carbon dots. Biochar (2024).
3. Recent advances of carbon dots as new antimicrobial agents. SmartMat (2022).
4. Carbon Quantum Dots Derived from Different Carbon Sources for Antibacterial Applications. Antibiotics (2021).