Two-dimensional nanomaterials for infection control: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) nanosheets provide orthogonal, multi-modal strategies to control infection at a time of rising antimicrobial resistance. This review highlights material families most relevant to graphene derivatives, transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), MXenes, graphitic carbon nitride, hexagonal boron nitride, and phosphorene. The review highlights antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal applications. We highlight convergent extracellular mechanisms across families, including membrane stress from atomically thin edges, reactive-oxygen-species generation, photothermal and photodynamic conversion, electron-transfer imbalance, and (in hybrids) controlled metal-ion release. From a translational standpoint, these mechanisms are increasingly being harnessed in deployable healthcare formats such as hydrogels, wound dressings, anti-biofilm and implant coatings, microneedles, and photo-addressable composites. These architectures enable localized, on-demand activation, high local payloads, and minimal systemic exposure, addressing key challenges in multidrug resistance and biofilm persistence. Collectively, these attributes position 2D nanosheets as modular building blocks for next-generation anti-infective technologies.