Expert Rev Med Devices 2016 Nov;13(11):1013-1019

a Physics Institute , Catholic University of Sacred Hearth , Rome , Italy.

Introduction: The clinical challenge that research on antibacterial coatings faces nowadays is the need of reduction of resistant bacterial infections, major source of implant rejection and repeated surgery. In order to avoid microorganisms attachment and biofilm formation, coating materials on medical devices have been developed with shortcomings represented by short-term durability and induction of new mechanisms of bacterial resistance. Graphene-based films and hydrogel could represent the next generation protective coatings due to their excellent mechanical, chemical and thermal properties, high nanoparticle adsorption and antibacterial action. Areas covered: In this short commentary, we will report the recent developments of graphene oxide based coatings. Graphene oxide is a water-soluble derivative of graphene that allows high drug loading and miscibility with polymers, making it mouldable in any desired shape. Recent applications in wound healing and tissue engineering will be discussed as well as critical issues prior to clinical use of graphene oxide coatings. Expert commentary: The current evidence is insufficient to establish the efficacy of Graphene Oxide against bacteria and the durability of coatings. Further studies should clarify how to control Graphene Oxide antibacterial mechanism.

ACS Nano 2011 Oct 29;5(10):8100-7. Epub 2011 Sep 29.

Air Force Research Laboratory, Propulsion Directorate, Fuels and Energy Branch, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States.

There have been multiple conflicting reports about the biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of graphene oxide. To address this, we conducted a study to characterize the antimicrobial properties of graphene oxide (GO) and its biocompatibility with mammalian cells. When GO was added to a bacterial culture at 25 μg/mL, the results showed that bacteria grew faster and to a higher optical density than cultures without GO. Read More

J Mater Sci Mater Med 2008 Dec 15;19(12):3555-60. Epub 2008 Jul 15.

Clinical Materials Unit & Materials and Surface Science Institute, University of Limerick, National Technological Park, Limerick, Ireland.

A biofilm is an accumulation of micro-organisms and their extracellular products forming a structured community on a surface. Biofilm formation on medical devices has severe health consequences as bacteria growing in this lifestyle are tolerant to both host defense mechanisms and antibiotic therapies. However, silver and zinc ions inhibit the attachment and proliferation of immature biofilms. Read More

Int J Antimicrob Agents 2009 Aug 31;34(2):103-10. Epub 2009 Mar 31.

Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics, Araçatuba Dental School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, SP, Brazil.

Research has clarified the properties required for polymers that resist bacterial colonisation for use in medical devices. The increase in antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has prompted interest in the use of silver as an antimicrobial agent. Silver-based polymers can protect the inner and outer surfaces of devices against the attachment of microorganisms. Read More

ACS Nano 2011 Sep 24;5(9):6971-80. Epub 2011 Aug 24.

School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637459.

Health and environmental impacts of graphene-based materials need to be thoroughly evaluated before their potential applications. Graphene has strong cytotoxicity toward bacteria. To better understand its antimicrobial mechanism, we compared the antibacterial activity of four types of graphene-based materials (graphite (Gt), graphite oxide (GtO), graphene oxide (GO), and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)) toward a bacterial model-Escherichia coli. Read More