Nanocomposites based on biocompatible polymers and graphene oxide for antibacterial coatings

Abstract

Recently, antibacterial coatings based on graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites have attracted many studies around the world. The use of polymers as the matrices of GO nanofillers in the nanocomposites has been explored to produce efficient coatings against bacteria. One of the most prospective applications is the incorporation of GO into biocompatible polymers, which can produce antibacterial coatings. Here, recent progresses on the antibacterial coatings of nanocomposites based on biocompatible polymers and GO are reviewed. The effect of GO filler concentrations, biocide materials, and biocompatibility are discussed to find the most efficient antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of nanocomposites. Among biocompatible polymers, chitosan (Cs), poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), and poly lactic acid (PLA) are the most popular matrices used for the nanocomposites. This review also elaborates challenges in the use of other biocompatible polymers. Future works on biocompatible antibacterial coatings should be conducted by considering the concentration of GO nanofillers or adding other materials such as essential oils to suppress the toxicity toward functional cells.