Carbon nanotubes as antimicrobial agents for water disinfection and pathogen control.

Carbon nanotubes as antimicrobial agents for water disinfection and pathogen control.
J Water Health. 2018 Apr;16(2):171-180
Authors: Liu D, Mao Y, Ding L
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.
PMID: 29676754 [PubMed - in process]

Source: Journal of Water and Health - April 22, 2018 Category: Environmental Health Tags: J Water Health Source Type: research