Graphene and its Derivatives: A Potential Solution for Microbial Control

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Graphene-based materials (GMs) are the most promising materials in this era of antimicrobial and antiviral materials. Their excellent physicochemical properties and biocompatibility have opened new doors in this field. Graphene has good mechanical properties, a large surface area, high barrier mobility, excellent electronic transport performance, and resistance to degradation. Antimicrobial and antiviral materials have been used in the health sector for many years to fight off pathogens. Antibiotics, metal ions, and quaternary ammonium hydroxide are used for bacteria, while metals and organic materials are effective against viruses. Although metals are effective against viruses, their toxicity, high cost, and unintended leaching restrict their use as antivirals. Viral strains are progressively mutating, emerging as new threats to our species' survival. Bacterial resistance has developed as a result of the excessive use of antibiotics. The antimicrobial materials used so far have a high cost, cause environmental pollution, and are complex to process. To overcome these challenges, graphene-based materials have been in the limelight for antiviral and antibacterial abilities against pathogens. The combined properties of graphene alongside metals, polymers, metal oxides, and many other materials enable the perfect tool to protect human health. Their efficacy and broad-spectrum activities against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria can potentially improve the quality of life. This chapter examines the detailed application of graphene-based materials towards wound healing, antibacterial coatings, biosensors, bioimaging, antibacterial sutures, anti-bio films, photocatalytic degradation of bacteria, and antibacterial packaging.