ORCID
- Richard D. Handy: 0000-0002-4458-1279
- Mathew Upton: 0000-0003-4287-6396
- Alexandros Besinis: 0000-0002-2299-3870
Abstract
This review discusses topics relevant to the development of antimicrobial nanocoatings and nanoscale surface modifications for medical and dental applications. Nanomaterials have unique properties compared to their micro- and macro-scale counterparts and can be used to reduce or inhibit bacterial growth, surface colonization and biofilm development. Generally, nanocoatings exert their antimicrobial effects through biochemical reactions, production of reactive oxygen species or ionic release, while modified nanotopographies create a physically hostile surface for bacteria, killing cells via biomechanical damage. Nanocoatings may consist of metal nanoparticles including silver, copper, gold, zinc, titanium, and aluminum, while nonmetallic compounds used in nanocoatings may be carbon-based in the form of graphene or carbon nanotubes, or composed of silica or chitosan. Surface nanotopography can be modified by the inclusion of nanoprotrusions or black silicon. Two or more nanomaterials can be combined to form nanocomposites with distinct chemical or physical characteristics, allowing combination of different properties such as antimicrobial activity, biocompatibility, strength, and durability. Despite their wide range of applications in medical engineering, questions have been raised regarding potential toxicity and hazards. Current legal frameworks do not effectively regulate antimicrobial nanocoatings in matters of safety, with open questions remaining about risk analysis and occupational exposure limits not considering coating-based approaches. Bacterial resistance to nanomaterials is also a concern, especially where it may affect wider antimicrobial resistance. Nanocoatings have excellent potential for future use, but safe development of antimicrobials requires careful consideration of the “One Health” agenda, appropriate legislation, and risk assessment.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2023-04-25
Publication Title
ACS Nano
Volume
17
Issue
8
ISSN
1936-0851
Acceptance Date
2023-03-17
Deposit Date
2023-04-17
Embargo Period
2023-04-18
Funding
This work received no specific grant from any funding agency. The authors acknowledge internal PhD project funding from the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics at the University of Plymouth, which supported J.B.
Keywords
antimicrobial, resistance, antibacterial, antibiofilm, antibiotics, nanoparticle, nanomaterial, nanocoating, surface, safety
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Butler, J., Handy, R., Upton, M., & Besinis, A. (2023) 'Review of Antimicrobial Nanocoatings in Medicine and Dentistry: Mechanisms of Action, Biocompatibility Performance, Safety, and Benefits Compared to Antibiotics', ACS Nano, 17(8). Available at: 10.1021/acsnano.2c12488
