MXenes and their composites for potential antimicrobial applications

Surges of infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms severely affect human health. Ergo, hunt for safe and alternative microbial control agents is on-going alongside these surges. Introduction of two-dimensional MXene nanomaterials offers promise toward conquering infectious microorganisms because of the materials’ large surface area, hydrophilicity, high conductivity, and catalytic activity properties. Progress has been made in MXene-based catalyst designs for antimicrobial activities in the medical settings and for water disinfection. Parameters of MXene nanomaterials affect the microbial inactivation, and the bactericidal and bacteriostatic mechanisms of MXenes against various microorganisms are beginning to be understood. Understanding of MXenes’ ecotoxicology and biocompatibility is important for realizing its environmental impact. Challenges remain, but exciting future opportunities are available for this research area.