Graphene-based materials as surface-coating devices: A breakthrough to reduce medical-device associated infections in dentistry

In prosthodontics, orthodontics, and implants, dental devices are becoming more popular for their functions. Medical device-associated infections are prevalent in dentistry. Since 2010, graphene-based materials have gained popularity, and biological research suggests antibacterial potential. This review aims to present a foundational overview of graphene and graphene antimicrobial properties and dental-coating applications as a solution to reduce medical device-associated infections. The protocol of this study is being registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO, ID: CRD42023427839). Cross-sectional studies with advanced search in Google Scholar, Pubmed, and ProQuest between 2013 and 2023 were included. Based on an advanced search on cross-sectional studies, there were seven articles that matched the inclusion criteria. Graphene, graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was a type of graphene in the included studies. Graphene-based materials have a vast surface area, great strength, thermal-electrical characteristics, and several functionalization choices for medical device-associated infections. Graphene has the potential to be utilized as a surface-coating technology to increase the utilization of dental appliances and decrease infections. We predict that rising concerns about medical device-associated infections in dentistry, along with the appearance of graphene as the most up-to-date biomedical application, will contribute to the advancement of bio-dental materials and engineering sophistication in future.