Biofilm Inhibition on Medical Devices and Implants Using Carbon Dots: An Updated Review

Eepsita Priyadarshini, Rohit Kumar, Kalpana Balakrishnan, Soumya Pandit, Ranvijay Kumar, Niraj Kumar Jha, Piyush Kumar Gupta

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Biofilms are an intricate community of microbes that colonize solid surfaces, communicating via a quorum-sensing mechanism. These microbial aggregates secrete exopolysaccharides facilitating adhesion and conferring resistance to drugs and antimicrobial agents. The escalating global concern over biofilm-related infections on medical devices underscores the severe threat to human health. Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged as a promising substrate to combat microbes and disrupt biofilm matrices. Their numerous advantages such as facile surface functionalization and specific antimicrobial properties, position them as innovative anti-biofilm agents. Due to their minuscule size, CDs can penetrate microbial cells, inhibiting growth via cytoplasmic leakage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and genetic material fragmentation. Research has demonstrated the efficacy of CDs in inhibiting biofilms formed by key pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Consequently, the development of CD-based coatings and hydrogels holds promise for eradicating biofilm formation, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy, reducing clinical expenses, and minimizing the need for implant revision surgeries. This review provides insights into the mechanisms of biofilm formation on implants, surveys major biofilm-forming pathogens and associated infections, and specifically highlights the anti-biofilm properties of CDs emphasizing their potential as coatings on medical implants.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2604-2619
Number of pages16
JournalACS Applied Bio Materials
Volume7
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 20 May 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biofilm
  • Carbon dots
  • Exopolysaccharides
  • Medical implants
  • Pathogenic microbes
  • Quorum sensing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biomaterials
  • General Chemistry
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biochemistry, medical

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