Potent antibacterial activity of MXene-functionalized graphene nanocomposites.

Two dimensional (2D) nanomaterials display properties with significant biological utility ( e.g. , antimicrobial activity). In this study, MXene-functionalized graphene (FG) nanocomposites with Ti 3 C 2 T x in varying ratios (FG : Ti 3 C 2 T x , 25 : 75%, 50 : 50%, and 75 : 25%) were prepared and characterized via scanning electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and zeta potential analysis. Their cytotoxicity was assessed using immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells at three different timepoints, and antibacterial activity was assessed using Gram-positive Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus , MRSA, and Gram-negative neuro-pathogenic Escherichia coli K1 ( E. coli K1) in vitro . The nanomaterials and composites displayed potent antibacterial effects against both types of bacteria and low cytotoxicity against HaCaT cells at 200 μg mL -1 , which is promising for their utilization for biomedical applications.