Role of Functional Nanomaterials in Combating Major Health Challenges Due to Bacterial and Viral Infections

Many conventional drugs are being found resistant against various bacterial strains. To combat major health challenges due to bacterial infections, nanomaterials are currently being used as alternatives or in conjunction with traditional drugs. The unique properties of nanomaterials make them suitable for such applications and help them to overcome the limitations of conventional drugs. The present article reports on the recent advances and emerging applications of various functional nanomaterials (i.e. metals, metal oxides, carbon‐based nanomaterials and their nanocomposites, etc.) as antibacterial and antiviral agents with emphasis on their modes of action. Various challenging issues in controlling bacterial and viral infections using these functional nanomaterials have been emphasized. Furthermore, the use of such nanomaterials as delivery vehicles for antibacterial and antiviral drugs has also been discussed.