Molybdenum-based antimicrobial nanomaterials: A comprehensive review

The multidrug-resistant bacteria induced infections have become one of the serious threats to global public health. There is an urgent need to fight against bacteria using efficient strategies beyond traditional antibiotics treatments. As essential trace element, molybdenum (Mo) is an indispensable component of many enzymes in the living body. The relatively low toxicity and unique physicochemical properties of Mo-based nanomaterials make them develop in various biomedical applications especially in antimicrobial stewardship for curing wound infection, sterilizing biomedical equipment, disinfecting water, and so on. In this review, we introduce the synthetic methods, physicochemical properties-related antibacterial activities, and applications of various Mo-based nanomaterials (MoS2, MoOx, molybdates, Mo-based polyoxometalates (POMs), and their hybrids). Then, the main antibacterial strategies including physical contact, photo-induced antibacterial, enzyme-like catalysis, ions release, and synergistic antibacterial are summarized. The antimicrobial mechanisms oriented by antimicrobial strategies are calssified. Furthermore, their inhibition on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) evolution and their biological safety are discussed. Finally, their challenges and prospects to advance the antibacterial activity are also reviewed.