Functionalized Quantum Dots as Antimicrobial Agents

It can be challenging to treat disorders linked to infectious immunodeficiency when bacteria develop antibiotic resistance. Nanomaterials with dedicated antibacterial properties have played a promising role in treating bacterial infections. In comparison with traditional antibiotics, quantum dots (QDs) exhibit not only exceptional structural stability but also photoluminescence characteristics for imaging and photodynamic therapy. Excessive use of QDs in biomedical research is related to their low toxicity. To boost their antimicrobial efficacy, QDs normally are functionalized, and this chapter will summarize various QD functionalization and their effective role against antimicrobial agents. Emphasis will be given to carbon QDs as they have proved to possess good bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) stand out among other graphene derivatives because of the amazing optical, electrical, and electrochemical properties. QDs therefore provide greater potential for antibacterial application than nanoparticles, but challenges in QD application under physiological conditions are often ignored. Herein, we will discuss challenges associated with QD application in parallel to their effective antibacterial activity. A variety of functionalized QDs and their antimicrobial mechanism will be discussed.