2D carbon-network nanomaterial shows promise as an antibacterial agent

Graphidyne Oxide MOA

a) Schematic illustration of the proposed mechanism of action for graphidyne oxide’s (GDYO) antibacterial effects. ROS is reactive oxygen species, a class of highly unstable oxygen species that detrimentally affects bacterial cells. (b) Illustration of the molecular structure of 2D graphidyne nanosheets and oxidized graphidyne (GDYO). Oxidation enables nanosheet dispersion in aqueous solutions and plays a critical role in GDYO’s antibacterial activity. Credit: iScience.

A structural relative to graphene and carbon nanotubes, graphidyne, has garnered significant attention over the past decade owing to its electrical and photocatalytic properties. A collaboration of researchers in China and the United States have now demonstrated a novel use for graphidyne, not as an energetic material, but as an antibacterial one. With evidence of antibacterial properties, graphidyne may find new applications in biomedical engineering.

Read the full write-up on MRS Bulletin.

Read the iScience article.