MXene: Antiviral and Antibacterial Properties
摘要
The rise in drug resistance in microbes towards conventional antibiotics and other medicines has made effective treatment of infections difficult and time-consuming, drastically affecting the quality of healthcare. Additionally, the exponential growth in population, accompanied by diminished hygiene due to the polluted environment and poor lifestyle, has also resulted in the increase of unanticipated and unusual ailments. Thus, there is a pressing need for innovation in efficient medicinal agents to address these challenging issues. Interestingly, the tunable properties of 2-dimensional materials, particularly MXene, have characteristically influenced their exploitation in the medical scenario in addition to their diverse applicability in a range of applications. This 2-dimensional material and its multivariate composites, have revealed promising antibacterial and antiviral activities owing to its potential in tailoring the surface functionalities, thermal stability, hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and catalytic activity to one’s desire. Despite the optimistic perspective, the bulk synthesis and functionalization of MXene are still a concern. Herein, we discuss the synthetic protocols for the preparation of MXenes and their composites, addressing their pros and cons. Following, the possible mechanistic interaction of these MXene composites with microbes to bring about antibacterial and antiviral properties. Finally, the opportunities MXenes and their composites hold in the field of medicine for the future.