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Updated: Sep 18, 2025

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Antimicrobial Characterization of Advanced Materials for Bioengineering Applications
Published on: August 4, 2018
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Biochar Utilization in Antimicrobial, Anticancer, and Biosensing Applications: A Review.
Ki Ha Min1,2, Koung Hee Kim2, Joo-Hyung Seo2
1Institute of Industrial Technology, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea.
Biomolecules
|June 26, 2025
Summary
Biochar, a sustainable material from biomass, shows promise in medicine. Its advanced forms offer new antibacterial, anticancer, and disease diagnostic tools.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Biochar, a carbonaceous material from biomass, possesses unique physicochemical properties.
- Functionalized and composite biochar materials are emerging for biomedical uses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in biochar applications for antimicrobial, anticancer, and biosensing purposes.
- To highlight biochar's potential as a sustainable biomedical material.
Main Methods:
- Biochar derived from various biomass sources via pyrolysis.
- Functionalization of biochar with nanoparticles (e.g., silver), metal oxides, or polymers.
- Integration of biochar with biomolecules (enzymes, DNA, antibodies) for biosensors.
Main Results:
- Enhanced antimicrobial activity of functionalized biochar.
- Inhibition of cancer cell proliferation and selective cytotoxicity of biochar.
- Development of sensitive and specific biochar-based biosensors for diagnostics.
Conclusions:
- Biochar presents a sustainable alternative to conventional antibiotics.
- Biochar shows potential in cancer therapy and targeted drug delivery.
- Biochar-based biosensors offer precise disease diagnostics, with potential for clinical translation.
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