Silicon nanostructures and nanocomposites for antibacterial and theranostic applications

Silicon (Si) nanomaterials are extensively explored to address the multidrug resistance bacteria/diseases and to enable developments of novel and innovative approaches for next-generation highly efficient, cost-effective, and reliable multifunctional biomedical tools. This article reviews the contemporary developments in the utilization of Si nanostructures (Si-NSs) and nanocomposites for antibacterial surfaces and theranostic agents as powerful instruments to tackle pathogenic bacteria and diseases related to them. Realization of nature-inspired antibacterial surfaces, photoresponsive smart antibacterial surfaces, and selective functionality of Si-NSs has been discussed by biomedical imaging and drug delivery applications of Si-NSs. Photoresponsive Si nanocomposite systems enable in-situ non-invasive process monitoring utilizing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) or photothermal imaging phenomenon is also addressed. Finally, crucial challenges and several research trends of implementing Si-NSs and their hybrid systems as multifunctional platforms for advanced biomedical tools and their clinical translation are highlighted.