Advancing gut microbiome insights: Graphene quantum dot nanobiosensors for microbial metabolite detection

Abstract

Graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNMs), which are tiny carbon-based materials with exceptional electrical and mechanical properties, have a wide range of applications in biological research due to their unique characteristics, including their elevated conductivity, substantial surface area, and adjustable fluorescence. However, the understanding of how GI microbiota affects such basic processes in GBNMs is far from complete. Hence, the current review is expected to highlight the revolutionary potential that graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and other GBNMs have in surging microbiome research; this includes their role in addressing critical challenges concerning precision medicine and applications in identifying microbial metabolites. GBNMs facilitate the accurate identification of essential metabolites in the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and indoles, offering insights into the intricate relationships between microbiome composition and GI disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, GBNMs play a crucial role in understanding antibiotic resistance by enabling the development of advanced biosensors that can rapidly detect bacterial pathogens, track resistance mechanisms, and monitor the effectiveness of antibiotics, thus providing valuable insights into the dynamics of resistance and aiding in the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Moreover, GBNMs’ sensitivity and specificity are essential in creating tailored diagnostic platforms, enhancing precision medicine applications. This review highlights current accomplishments and outlines future research paths, emphasizing the revolutionary impact of GBNMs in microbiome research and personalized healthcare.