Antimicrobial (antibacterial) properties and other miscellaneous applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs)

Abstract

The advent of biomaterials in medical technology has far-reaching benefits in medical interventions but is currently plagued by the successful implantation in the host, which may be further complicated by a lot of factors, one being microbial infections as host cells interacts with the foreign biomaterial to accept it. This can be circumvented when the biomaterials possess antimicrobial properties negating the administration of antibiotics, thus the growing need for such biomaterials. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in its outstanding mechanical properties and versatile applications are finding applications as biomaterials due to its antimicrobial properties. Therefore, this chapter delves into its antimicrobial properties with emphasis on antibacterial properties along with those of its composites, its toxicity mechanism on bacterial cells, focusing also on different synthesis and functionalization of CNTs which could impact its antimicrobial properties. Other miscellaneous applications of CNTs such as nano-fillers in adhesives, membranes, adsorbent, fuel cells, and CNTs in carbon-based biosensor for early detection of COVID-19 are briefly highlighted. Lastly, the chapter presents the challenges and wide-ranging perspectives of antimicrobial properties of carbon nanotubes.