Biofilms are an intricate community of microbes that colonize solid
surfaces, communicating via a quorum-sensing mechanism. These microbial
aggregates secrete exopolysaccharides facilitating adhesion and conferring
resistance to drugs and antimicrobial agents. The escalating global
concern over biofilm-related infections on medical devices underscores
the severe threat to human health. Carbon dots (CDs) have emerged
as a promising substrate to combat microbes and disrupt biofilm matrices.
Their numerous advantages such as facile surface functionalization
and specific antimicrobial properties, position them as innovative
anti-biofilm agents. Due to their minuscule size, CDs can penetrate
microbial cells, inhibiting growth via cytoplasmic leakage, reactive
oxygen species (ROS) generation, and genetic material fragmentation.
Research has demonstrated the efficacy of CDs in inhibiting biofilms
formed by key pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas
aeruginosa. Consequently, the development of CD-based coatings
and hydrogels holds promise for eradicating biofilm formation, thereby
enhancing treatment efficacy, reducing clinical expenses, and minimizing
the need for implant revision surgeries. This review provides insights
into the mechanisms of biofilm formation on implants, surveys major
biofilm-forming pathogens and associated infections, and specifically
highlights the anti-biofilm properties of CDs emphasizing their potential
as coatings on medical implants.