Carbon-reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites Against Infectious Diseases

Abstract

Infectious diseases consistently pose challenges for the frontline sectors and at the same time may cause havoc in the social sector. Pathogenic microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa are the main culprits in the history of pandemics and epidemics. The year 2019 witnessed the biggest pandemic ever in history, caused by SARS-CoV-19 microbes whose existence remains between living and non-living species. Long before tackling the problems caused by microorganisms, researchers were continuously working in different areas of science and technology. In this perspective, targeted vaccines and drugs have been successfully administered for medical use. During the last two decades, nanoscience and nanotechnology have been strongly involved in the design of nanomaterials for effective use as drugs or vaccines against infectious diseases. In this regard, nanocomposites play a major role in high pharmacological and mechanical responses. Designing biodegradable and biocompatible nanocomposites with excellent bioactivity has always attracted the attention of the pharma industry owing to the burgeoning occurrence of new infectious diseases. Further, carbon-reinforced polymer nanocomposites have gained importance in the fight against infectious diseases owing to their high antimicrobial efficacy. In this chapter, the properties and uses of carbon-reinforced polymer nanocomposites with potential pharmacological activity are discussed in detail in the context of different classifications of infectious agents.