ABSTRACT
Nanomaterials have exotic physicochemical properties, which make them ideal candidates for numerous prospective applications in diverse fields. They have a positive or negative impact on microorganisms through several mechanisms. The antimicrobial properties of nanomaterials can efficiently be exploited for commercial applications in water purification systems, pathogen control in agricultural industry, etc. Among the antimicrobial nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials got recent attention due to their superior structures, distinct atomic arrangements, and multifarious properties. Metallic nanomaterials like silver, gold, etc., also exhibit excellent antimicrobial properties, compared to other metals, which facilitates their use in biomedical fields and environmental protection. This chapter highlights the importance and scope of antimicrobial nanomaterials, the effect of the microbial activity of nanomaterials like fullerenes and graphene, their derivatives, carbon nanotubes, nano-silver, currently relevant antimicrobial nanomaterials like Au, TiO2, ZnO, etc. It also elucidates the mechanisms of the influence of nanomaterials on microbes, and includes the advantages, disadvantages, and potential applications of antimicrobial nanomaterials.
