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Emerging two-dimensional nanomaterial and its modifications for enhanced antiviral applications: a review
Raktim Chowdhury1, Sirazam Munira Aishee2, Nafisa Islam3
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee Knoxville College of Engineering, Knoxville, TN, USA.
Abstract:
Highly resilient pathogens, especially viruses and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, present formidable challenges to public health due to their ability to evade conventional treatments. Traditional microbial disinfection methods, such as chemical deactivation and physical filtration, often fail to effectively neutralize viruses, thus leading to harmful by-products. In light of these limitations, there is a growing need for innovative solutions to address viral disinfection. Photocatalytic microbial disinfection has emerged as a promising approach, primarily explored for bacterial pathogens. However, its antiviral potential remains underinvestigated. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, with their unique physico-chemical properties, represent a breakthrough in photocatalytic technology, offering advantages such as high surface area, tunable optical characteristics and enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review assesses the photocatalytic properties of emerging 2D materials-such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), black phosphorus (BP) and MXenes-focusing on their potential for antiviral applications. While much of the current research emphasizes antibacterial activity, this review explores how functionalization, doping and composite formation of these materials could enhance their antiviral capabilities, offering a novel avenue for combating viral pathogens and addressing global health challenges.
Insights
Emerging two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials show promise for photocatalytic antiviral disinfection, a field needing innovation beyond traditional methods. Research is exploring their potential to combat resilient viral pathogens effectively.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Highly resilient pathogens, including viruses and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, pose significant public health threats.
- Conventional disinfection methods are often ineffective against viruses and can produce harmful by-products.
- There is a critical need for advanced antiviral disinfection strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the antiviral potential of two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials in photocatalytic disinfection.
- To assess how 2D nanomaterials can overcome limitations of traditional disinfection methods.
- To explore strategies for enhancing the antiviral capabilities of 2D nanomaterials.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on photocatalytic disinfection and 2D nanomaterials.
- Analysis of properties of 2D materials like graphene, TMDs, g-C3N4, BP, and MXenes.
- Exploration of functionalization, doping, and composite formation for enhanced antiviral activity.
Main Results:
- 2D nanomaterials offer unique properties (high surface area, tunable optics, ROS generation) for photocatalysis.
- Current research predominantly focuses on antibacterial applications, with antiviral potential underexplored.
- Functionalization and composite strategies show promise for boosting antiviral efficacy.
Conclusions:
- 2D nanomaterials represent a promising platform for developing novel antiviral disinfection technologies.
- Further research is needed to fully realize the antiviral potential of these materials.
- This approach offers a new avenue for combating global viral health challenges.
