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Volume 114
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A review on innovations in antimicrobial nanotechnology: Integrating silver nanoparticles and carbon nanomaterials
Khalil Ullah a, Hui Yan a, Yuanyuan Shao b, Hui Zhang c, Haiping Zhang a *, Jesse Zhu d
a School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, China
b Nottingham Ningbo China Beacons of Excellence Research and Innovation Institute, The University of Nottingham Ningbo China, China
c School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, China
d School of Engineering, Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, China
10.1016/j.partic.2026.04.004
Volume 114, July 2026, Pages 164-185
Received 7 January 2026, Revised 30 March 2026, Accepted 3 April 2026, Available online 22 April 2026, Version of Record 4 May 2026.
E-mail: hpzhang@tju.edu.cn
Highlights

• AgNPs-CNMs hybrids enable synergistic antimicrobial mechanisms via ROS and membrane disruption.

• Carbon matrices stabilize AgNPs, control Ag+ release, and prevent aggregation.

• Composites exhibit enhanced biofilm inhibition and drug-resistant pathogen eradication.

• Multifunctional applications span medical implants, water purification, and smart coatings.

• Toxicity, scalability, and environmental persistence remain critical translational challenges.


Abstract

The development of advanced antibacterial agents has been significantly accelerated by nanotechnology. Particular attention is directed at Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) and carbon nanomaterials (CNMs) that have great potential. AgNPs are valued for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, high biocompatibility, and ease of synthesis. In parallel, CNMs, including graphene, carbon nanotubes and carbon dots are favorable for their exceptional mechanical strength, high specific surface area, and a unique physical mechanism for disrupting microbial membranes. More recently, synergistic integration of AgNPs and CNMs into hybrid materials has emerged as a cutting-edge strategy that encourages synergies in antibacterial activity. This study presents a design-oriented, mechanism-driven analysis of CNMs@AgNPs systems by systematically linking carbon nanomaterial type, composite architecture, antibacterial mechanisms, and application relevance. These nanocomposites exhibit enhanced stability, controlled release of silver ions, and superior antibacterial effects, even to those against drug-resistant pathogens. The research is systematically examining the recent advances in CNMs@AgNPs hybrids, with a special focus on their synthesis strategies, structure characterization, antibacterial activity and mechanism, and their prospective applications in medicinal, environmental, and industrial sectors. The review paper further addresses the critical challenges and environmental impact surrounding the use of antimicrobial nanoparticles to guide the future research and development of safe, effective antimicrobial nanoparticles.

Graphical abstract
Keywords
Nanotechnology; Hybrid nanocomposites; Antibacterial activity; Silver; Carbon nanomaterials
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