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Published on: April 2, 2015
Carbon nanotubes as antimicrobial agents for water disinfection and pathogen control
Dan Liu1, Yiqin Mao1, Lijun Ding1
1Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
Abstract:
Waterborne diseases significantly affect human health and are responsible for high mortality rates worldwide. Antibiotics have been known for decades for treatment of bacterial strains and their overuse and irrational applications are causing increasing bacteria resistance. Therefore, there is a strong need to find alternative ways for efficient water disinfection and microbial control. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have demonstrated strong antimicrobial properties due to their remarkable structure. This paper reviews the antimicrobial properties of CNTs, discusses diverse mechanisms of action against microorganisms as well as their applicability for water disinfection and microbial control. Safety concerns, challenges of CNTs as antimicrobial agents and future opportunities for their application in the water remediation process are also highlighted.
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